Did you know that America is facing a growing problem that is now considered to have reached epidemic proportions? This epidemic is childhood obesity. Obesity is a condition in which an individual has an excessive amount of body fat. Some people may even be classified as morbidly obese based on how overweight they are. A child's height, weight and age can be measured by their doctor, who can determine if they are above normal. Children are considered obese if their body mass index (BMI) is within the 95th percentile range. That would put the average weight of 12- to 13-year-old boys between 85 and 100 pounds. The range for girls would be 95 to 105 pounds. There are several theories about the causes of obesity. Here I will list some of the possible causes, some health risks, and what can be done to help prevent obesity in our children. Let's take a look at poverty. Most families in the income bracket below poverty purchase the cheapest brand name food products for their family, which are not necessarily the healthiest foods to eat. These foods are normally higher in sugar, sodium, calories and more (book Frances M. Berg, MS, LN. Underage & Overweight America's Child Obesite Crisis, What Every Family Needs to Know). Some doctors believe that the main culprits of childhood obesity are fast foods and poor eating habits. Cheap fast food, weekly specials and discounts on oversized meals seem like a quick and easy solution for parents on the go. But by eating these salty, high-calorie foods, we pay, and our children pay with their health. In addition to fast food ploys, there are candy and soda vending machines at local schools instead of healthier options. Concerns grow middle of paper......isions for our children and set an example. When we snack, let the kids see us eating fresh fruits and vegetables. When you are active, let them see and join us for walking, jogging, running. Everyone doing a little will create a lasting impact. Works Cited: ABC World News, host Diane Sawyer and .. broadcast 07/13/2011 Berg, Frances M., Afraid to Eat, copyright 1997, published by Healthy Weight Journal 402 / south 14 Street, Hettinger, ND 58639CDC http: //www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/data.html)By: Ruskin, Gary; Schor, Juliette. Nation, 08/29/2005, Vol. 281 Number 6, p15-17, 2p, http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?sid=9134453b-621d-4e1a-8246-2334b5cf0988%40sessionmgr111&vid=4&hid=119&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3 d #db =aph&AN=17928881Elder, Gerri L. http://www.chapter7.com/recession-could-cause-health-crisishttp://www.google.com/search?q=kids+activity+pyramid&hl