Obesity is a growing concern in today's society. The number of obese or overweight children has received greater attention, as the number has doubled over the past three decades (Hotakainen). As children become more vulnerable to life-threatening illnesses, such as cancer and diabetes, society continues to worry (Oliver). As this number continues to rise, the search for potential causes has begun. Although many want to blame caregivers, they are not the potential problem. Although parents must monitor their children's weight, they are vulnerable to the pressures and demands (of power) of society. Unhealthy school meals, weak physical education programs and convincing food advertisements are to blame for the high rates of obesity among today's children. Lack of health standards for lunches and other foods in schools is a leading cause of childhood obesity. According to studies, children who eat at school consume forty more calories each day than those who bring their own lunch (Schanzenbach 703). Elizabeth Jackson, a physician at the University of Michigan Health System, reported that children who eat at school are twice as likely to eat fattier foods and sweeter drinks (“Kids”). Over the past few decades, the government has attempted to develop effective meal programs that limit the consumption of unhealthy foods consumed by children. The 1995 policy, “Healthy Kids School Lunch Initiative,” required school meals to contain one-third of the recommended number of calories, protein, and certain vitamins and minerals (Schanzenbach 686). Although this policy was put in place, the government did not sufficiently enforce it. According to a recent study, only six percent of American schools...... middle of paper ......rsearch. Internet. February 19, 2012.Hotakainen, Rob. “Concerns are growing about the lack of physical education in schools. » McClatchy Washington, DC News Bureau. January 8, 2012: researcher on np SIRS issues. Internet. February 6, 2012. “Children who eat school meals are more likely to be overweight. » University of Michigan Health System. American College of Cardiology, March 13, 2010. Web. February 19, 2012.McLaughlin, Joseph. “Researcher shows negative effects of advertising on children.” Inside Fordham. Fordham University, May 17, 2010. Web. February 8, 2012. Ramstetter, Catherine L., Robert Murray and Andrew S. Garner. “The crucial role of recess in schools.” Journal of School Health 80.11 (2010): 517-526. Elite academic research. Internet. February 8, 2012. Schanzenbach, Diane Whitmore. “Do school meals contribute to childhood obesity?.” Journal of Human Resources 44.3 (2009): 684-709. ERIC. Internet. February 15. 2012.