ESTHER L. BUSH
This month’s New Pittsburgh Courier health topic is on childhood obesity, including the fact that 1 in 5 children and adolescents suffer from obesity. Esther L. Bush, Interim President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, calls on the community to take this statistic to heart.
Q: Esther, why is it important to help children build a foundation for a healthy life as soon as possible — and how does the Urban League support that?
Esther: When young people learn to make nutritious food choices, stay physically active, and understand the value of mental and emotional wellness, they build the tools they need to lead healthier, more empowered lives. These habits don’t just impact their bodies, they influence their confidence, academic success, and long-term opportunities.
Unfortunately, access to healthy food, safe places to play, and comprehensive health education is not equal across all communities. That’s why the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh is committed to advocating for equity in health, supporting programs that promote wellness in schools and neighborhoods, and working with families to ensure they have the knowledge and resources needed to thrive.
Q: Many people think skinny equals healthy, but that’s not always true. How do we shift attention away from weight to physical activity and healthy eating?
Esther: We fully support the growing focus on health behaviors rather than weight alone, especially when it comes to our children. In many communities, cultural norms have shaped how we view body size and health. There’s often an assumption that a fuller body is something to be corrected rather than understood in context. This can lead to shame, disordered eating, and missed opportunities to promote truly healthy behaviors at every size.
That’s why it’s crucial to create environments where children and adults feel supported in making positive, sustainable health choices. That means celebrating physical activity to feel strong and energized, not just as a tool for weight loss. It means encouraging healthy eating as a form of nourishment and self-care, not punishment. And it means recognizing that bodies come in all shapes and sizes — and all deserve respect, care, and access to health-promoting resources. By doing this, we can begin to dismantle stigma, promote equity, and build a healthier, more inclusive future for everyone in our community. When we invest in the health of our children today, we invest in a stronger, more resilient tomorrow. Together, we can break cycles of poor health outcomes and build a legacy of wellness for generations to come.
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