WASHINGTON - Responding to First Lady Michelle Obama??s "Let??s Move!" campaign to end childhood obesity, a coalition of food manufacturers announced its intention to cut a trillion calories by the end of 2012 and 1.5 trillion by the end of 2015, the Washington Post reports.

The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation revealed Monday that its 16 members, which includes PepsiCo, Kraft Foods, Campbell Soup, Coca-Cola, General Mills and Kellogg, would trim calories by launching more healthful products, slashing portion size and eliminating calories in current products. The coalition represents 20 percent to 25 percent of the food eaten in this country.

"This is precisely the kind of real private-sector commitment that we need. And I hope that more will follow the example that they??ve set," said Obama during a news conference.

This announcement happened within a week of the White House revealing its Childhood Obesity Task Force findings. The food industry has been under attack from Obama and local and state governments looking into soda and other snack food taxes, along with other measures to counter obesity.

The White House said foundation members?? progress would be assessed by the Partnership for a Healthier America, which will hold all members accountable if one company misses the target. "What the White House is doing is consistent and relentless," said Marion Nestle, a professor of nutrition at New York University. "The food companies are having their feet held to the fire for making kids fat. That??s awkward. And it is not good for business."