Obesity in the United States is on the rise and there is no end in sight. Obesity is a health problem that does not discriminate, it affects all ages, genders and races. Many factors can cause a person to become obese. These factors can include calorie intake, amount of physical activity, genetics and environment. The rise of obesity in the United States has presented this country with health and financial problems that must be addressed. An obesity epidemic is said to be sweeping the country and the numbers are astronomical. About 31% of all adults and 15% of children ages 6 to 19 are obese. Obesity is also serious in various ethnic groups. For example, 50% of non-Hispanic black women are obese. Many researchers believe that the trend toward obesity is closely linked to cultural, economic and environmental factors. Simply put, I think it can be attributed to genetics, portion sizes as well as the food available and its cost, as well as laziness. Obesity can run in your family. For example, if one of your parents is obese, you are three times more likely to become obese than if you had parents at a healthy weight. Additionally, the way your body responds to food is genetically linked. Eating and activity habits reflect the influence of genetic factors. Genes can also influence how calories are used; how efficiently your body uses calories determines how much fat will be stored. However, genetics can only determine the tendency towards obesity. Eating right and exercising regularly will really determine whether you are overweight or not. Of all the factors that cause obesity, the calorie intake of many Americans may be the biggest problem. Over the last twenty years, food has gone crazy... middle of paper ......ts (super size). Obese people may miss a lot of work, and many do not work at all. Most of these people who cannot work are on disability. That means more money coming from taxpayers. Too much of taxpayers' money is being spent on obese people and we need to act quickly. Even though the fight against obesity seems to be a lost cause, things are being done. Government programs have been implemented in school canteens, these programs promote healthy eating and establish healthy eating habits. Parents should significantly reduce the time spent watching television and encourage more physical activities. There are many opportunities to end the destructive behaviors that cause obesity, and we must all work together to make it happen. At home, at school, in our workplace and in our communities, we must all find a way to make this country a healthy nation..