Children who are obese or overweight are growing at a faster rate in the United States. In the United States, 1 in 3 children is obese or overweight. Overweight children are at risk of becoming obese in adolescence and adulthood (Mary, 2012). Obesity puts children at risk for numerous health problems and the development of chronic diseases. The prevalence of childhood obesity has increased by up to 30% over the past 30 years. It has increased at an alarming rate. The percentage of obese children ages 6 to 11 increased to 7 percent, and adolescents ages 12 to 19 increased from 55 to 18 percent in the 20 years from 1980 to 2008. The obesity rate doubled between children and tripled among adolescents. It has become a major epidemic health problem, estimated to be the fifth leading cause of mortality globally (Central for Disease Control, 2012). A healthy diet prevents obesity, maintains healthy weight and also prevents obesity-related diseases in children. A poor diet can lead to an energy imbalance (for example, eating more calories than you expend through physical activity) and can increase the risk of overweight and obesity (Central for Disease Control, 2012). There are many factors which are highly responsible for overweight and obesity and they are mentioned below: Environmental factor Increased access to unhealthy foods increases obesity in children such as • Soft drinks • Fast foods • Increase in portion sizes • Foods Pre-packaged Food is one of the main causes of obesity from which we can get food quickly and easily, from high-fat fast foods to pre-packaged meals. To save time we also used microwaved foods which can cause obesity. Children are particularly attracted to fast food advertising which motivates them to... middle of paper... disease control. (2012). Nutrition, physical activity and obesity: nutritional values. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/nutrition/facts.htmGorman, L. (2013). TV, fast food and childhood obesity. Retrieved from http://www.nber.org/digest/aug06/w11879.htmlHarris, K. (2002, August). The USDA school lunch program: New approaches to meeting the health and nutrition needs of children in the 21st century. The House of Learning. P. 310.Paul, M. (2012). Healthy eating, simple tips for planning a healthy diet and sticking to it. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_eating_diet.htmMary. LG (2012). Overweight and obesity. Retrieved from http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/body/overweight_obesity.html#Stacy. S. (2012). Obesity and physical exercise. Retrieved from http://www.acsm.org/access-public-information/articles/2012/01/19/obesity-and-exercise