Forty years ago in America, childhood obesity was rarely a topic of conversation. A survey in the early 1970s showed that 6.1% of children aged 12 to 19 were overweight. Eight years later, the same survey was carried out and 17.4% were considered overweight (Iannelli). “The epidemic of childhood obesity in America is now a confirmed fact as the number of overweight or obese children has more than tripled over the past 30 years” (Childhood Obesity Epidemic). “Over the past 20 years, the prevalence of obesity among children aged 6 to 11 has tripled, from 6.5% to 19.6%” (Childhood Obesity Epidemic). As a nation, the statistics should be alarming. Why are America's children today so obese? Before pointing the finger at any reason, we must consider the causes of obesity. The sources are varied. These causes include: environmental factors, social factors and medications. Environmental factors, including overeating, lack of physical activity, eating out too frequently and school lunches (Schoenstadt). “The two main causes of obesity in children are poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. A sedentary lifestyle combined with a high-fat diet will also lead to obesity” (Schoenstadt). Social factors can consist of a lack of money or even a low level of education. Medications also play a role because they can cause weight gain (Schoenstadt). Overeating plays a huge role in today's obesity epidemic. Most Americans do not know or understand the proper proportions their bodies should consume (Schoenstadt). According to the article How to Stop Kids from Overeating, there are five steps to avoid overeating. These five steps include: Step One: Set a good example for children. . Parents should sit down ... middle of paper ... i.e. America's obesity epidemic has become a real threat to America's children and the first people who can stop it are the parents. » (Childhood Obesity Epidemic) QuotedStatistics on childhood obesity in America. (2011). p. 3. Early bedtime prevents obesity and maintains physical fitness in adolescents. (September 30, 2011). p. 5.Childhood obesity epidemic in America. (nd). Retrieved October 19, 2011 from Childhoodobesitystatistics.net: http://www.childhoodobesitystatistics.net/epidemic.phpFox, E. (December 21, 2010). Obesity in America compared to Europe. p. 5.Superville, D. (September 18, 2011). Olive Garden and Red Lobster tackle childhood obesity. p. 3. Wang, Y. (February 23, 2001). Cross-country comparison of obesity: the epidemic and the relationship between obesity and socioeconomic status. p. 12. Zaykoski, L. (June 14, 2011). Statistics on obesity in America. p. 5.