First lady Michelle Obama asked faith and community leaders Monday to “shake up their congregations” and help her play a “critical role” in helping to eliminate childhood obesity.

In a conference call, Obama asked the leaders — including ministers, rabbis and Girl Scout officials — to become involved in “Let’s Move Faith and Communities,” an offshoot of her national campaign to promote exercise and proper nutrition.

“You all play a vital role in so many aspects of people’s lives: offering counseling on family matters, providing comfort and guidance in times of crisis, being there for folks during some of the most important moments of their lives,” the first lady said. “All of you know how to empower people. That’s why you all have an important role to play on an issue you know is near and dear to my heart. You all know how serious a problem this is.

“You’ve all seen the impact that this issue has on the lives of our children, and you’ve seen what happens when unhealthy children grow up to be unhealthy adults, struggling with diseases like diabetes and cancer and heart disease,” she added.

The faith and communities aspect will get support from the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships as well as the Partnership Centers at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a White House aide said.

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