U.S. Congressman Tom Harkin from Iowa says obesity now contributes to the deaths of more than 360,000 Americans a year. The incidence of childhood obesity is now reaching epidemic levels. Alarm bells are ringing everywhere, but our government has done almost nothing. Obesity rates have reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Communities across the country, recognizing obesity as a serious public health problem, are seeking innovative ways to stop the growing rate of obesity (Davis 260). The increasing prevalence of obesity in children and adults can be explained in part by changes in our environment over the past 30 years; in particular, the unlimited supply of convenient, very tasty and energy-rich foods, combined with a lifestyle characterized by low physical activity (Farooqui 5-7). Childhood obesity in America is a growing epidemic – driven by fast food advertising, lack of physical activity and parental control – that has lasting psychological effects. As a little light on obesity, overweight and obesity result from an imbalance involving excess calories. inadequate consumption and/or physical activity (Buchholz 5). The increase in overweight and obesity affects all ages, all racial and ethnic groups, and both sexes. This increase comes from a variety of factors, primarily increased calorie consumption and less vigorous activity. Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing many serious diseases, including type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension, osteoarthritis, metabolic syndrome, sleep apnea, and some forms of cancer (Davis 270 ). In 1999, 13% of children aged 6 to 11 and 14% of adolescents aged 12 to 19 were overweight. This prevalence has almost...... middle of paper ......Boneberger, Anja, Rudiger Von Kries, Astrid Milde-Busch, Gabriele Bolte and Mascha Rochat. “Association between relationship problems and childhood overweight/obesity.” Acta Paediatrica: Promoting children's health. 98.12 (2009): 1950-1955. Print. Buchholz, Todd. “Are Fast Food Restaurants Making Americans Fat?” Journal of Controversial Medical Claims 10.4 (2003): 1-10. Print. February 1, 2011. Davis, Jackson. "Fast food, zoning and the dormant commerce clause: Was it something I ate?". » Boston College Environmental Business Law Review 35.2 (2008): 259-288. Internet. February 1, 2011. Farooqui, Sadaf. “Overview of the genetics of severe childhood obesity.” » Hormone Research 68.S5 (2007): 5-7. Internet. February 1, 2011. Jeffery, Robert. "Epidemic Obesity in the United States: Are Fast Food and Television Contributing to It?". » American Journal of Public Health. 88.2 (1998): 277-80. Print.