One of the most discussed issues in America over the past few decades is obesity. It remains one of the most important problems in American society and requires a careful, systematic, but also immediate solution. Obesity is a term used to describe a body weight well above what is considered healthy. Today, 65% of American adults are overweight and half of them are obese. The rates for children are lower but they are also not satisfactory: 15% are overweight and another 15% are heading there (Lemonick). Aside from the cosmetic problems that this disease creates in many people, it is also known as the leading cause of serious health problems. Many causes contribute to these high rates of obesity. The most serious is the modern and fast lifestyle. Today, American adults, especially those living in large cities, are lacking free time (Schor) and therefore are no longer able to prepare good old home-cooked meals as often as before. Instead, they prefer to eat prepared meals or at least make sure their freezer has enough space for microwaved meals. Foods of this type are known for their low nutritional value but also for the high amount of calories they offer. Another cause of obesity is the side effects of changing technology. People are increasingly dependent on technology to accomplish many of their daily tasks: they drive almost everywhere, they rely on household appliances to complete jobs related to their home, they spend many hours each month in front of their computer and their television. sets, etc. This reliance on technology negatively affects Americans' fitness because they are not exercising or being physically active as much...... middle of paper ......arch&_sort =d&view= c&_acct=C000000005&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=d1fd7b6e9dd69ea0d78c9909a822c6cf>Lemonick, Michael D. "How We Got So Big." June 7, 2004. Time Online edition. April 4, 2008. Schor, Juliet B. “The Overworked American.” 1991. Kunz Center Book Reviews. April 4, 2008. < http://users.ipfw.edu/ruflethe/american.html> United States. Department of Health and Human Services. “Obesity costs billions in medical expenses.” Office of Corporate Communications. January 24, 2004. United States. GOVERNMENT April 4, 2008. United States. National Institutes of Health. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Obesity Education Initiative. September 1998. April 4. 2008.