The United States has always been the world leader in so many areas, economy, technology, health and medicine yet for some reason we can't get our obesity problem under control. It isn't just adults that are feeling the extra pounds children are at risk even more. The number of overweight children 6-11 years of age has doubled in the past 20 years. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) If we continue at this pace cutting recess at schools cutting gym at schools these numbers will continue to worsen.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention 6 states out of 50 got an A for their legislative and public-policy work to control and prevent obesity in children. Those states were California, Illinois, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee. With all of the resources afforded to the East Coast I was embarrassed to find out that New Jersey came in 39th.

We live in a society of "I want it now," children who get what they want when they want just so their parents don't have to hear them cry. This leads to trips to McDonald's, Burger King, and ice cream stops. Because parents are so busy and are working more than an 8 hour day they stop for fast food to feed their hungry family. While I understand the busy schedules I do not understand allowing your child to be overweight. Schools need to set an example by only providing nutritious food to children for lunches and breakfasts. What schools consider a vegetable, Tater Tots, is embarrassing to say the least. Items like pizza, tacos, and milkshakes are always on the menu with little to no alternative choices. Vending machines in schools are filled with junk food and sugary drinks instead of health bars, juices and bottled water. When we replace these machines it can start the process of weaning children off of sweets. Seven states currently require BMI or Body Mass Index report cards, informing parents of a child's risk of becoming obese. Those states are Arkansas, California, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and West Virginia. Arkansas was the first state in 2003 to require BMI report cards. Although this was put into place obesity in children has not dropped but has leveled off which researchers see as a positive sign.

Obesity in children does not just affect the child's psychological state by being teased and made fun of but also affects their health and their future. Children who are obese are more likely to be in and out of the doctor with various problems

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