Over the past 30 years, childhood obesity has more than tripled. The pervasiveness of obesity increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 20% in 2014 among children aged 6 to 11 years. The prevalence of obesity among adolescents ages 12 to 19 increased from 5.0% to 18.1% during the same 30-year period. That said, America is experiencing a very serious health problem affecting its young people. Obesity results from an imbalance that leads to excessive calorie consumption and/or inadequate physical activity. Furthermore, obesity is mediated by genetic, behavioral, cultural, and environmental factors. The health impact of childhood obesity has both immediate and long-term effects, negative consequences that include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma and mental health problems. There are many reasons why childhood obesity in America is on the rise. Doctors agree that there are two main factors in creating obese children: children and adolescents adhering to unhealthy eating habits and getting less and less exercise on a daily basis. Undoubtedly, the combination of fast food diets and sedentary lifestyles is creating a generation of children who are facing a serious health crisis. Obese children also have to deal with the many psychological problems created by being overweight. Overweight children often have low self-esteem, which worsens when they are unable to participate in normal activities such as sports or the playground. Adolescent eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia develop in response to feelings of bodily inadequacy. Obese children are teased, bullied and made to feel inferior on many levels. Additionally, obese children and adolescents are also at greater risk of sleep apnea and bone and joint damage for the entire family, with parents setting an example of good eating habits. Children should be encouraged to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and less processed and fast food, which is high in fat, calories, sugar and salt – the smart choice for a healthier America! Works Cited Winston, Craig, MPH, Phd, RD, “Childhood Obesity in America.” Vegetarian nutrition December 2013. Tauber, Maithe and Jouret, Beatrice, “Obesity in childhood and adolescence”. Karger April 2012: 91-95Carmona, Richard H., MD, MPH, FACS, “The Obesity Crisis in America.” Office of the U.S. Surgeon General, July 2014. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2006-2014. Rouse, James, “Childhood Obesity in America: Caring for Our Children.” Help cure childhood obesity 2009.American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, “Your Adolescent.” HarperCollins 2009.