With nearly 1 in 3 people in the US battling weight issues, fitness is in and obesity is out. The message that the nation needs to be fitter is being heard by brands, and they are acting. Whether it’s by improving a product, changing a perception or just getting with the program, brands will be increasingly aligning their messages and actions to focus on health and fitness. Consumers want it and need it. From PepsiCo and Burger King to Sesame Street and MetLife, brands are making some big investments to promote public awareness and education and putting their money where their mouth is with big donations to healthy charities. Brand managers take note – a healthier brand is going to be a more profitable one.