Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the United States.  It is estimated that one-third of all children are overweight and there are several contributing factors, some of which are behavioral and some which are the result of societal changes in America.  

The two most prevalent causes are poor diet, and lack of exercise. Ironically, the development of computer science which has done so much for humanity is also at the core of childhood obesity.  As computer science developed, so too did the computer entertainment field. Video games have become a huge part of kids entertainment life and as a result have robbed them of the outdoor activities once enjoyed during after school hours.  Now children lead sedentary lives, using their imaginations rather than playing rigorously.  

The American family structure has changed as well.  Many families have two working parents.  Studies showed that kids from families where parents were not home during after school hours were many times more likely to be boredom eaters and to have an unhealthy diet.  Soft drinks especially have been found to be an unhealthy beverage for kids due to their high sugar content.

Fast food and junk food have also become a regular choice for parents to feed their children given the fact that many families have two working parents.  The nutritional value of fast food and junk food is notoriously low, but, because of it's convenience and taste, it was found to be in as much as 90% of all kids' diets.  

Obesity among children is a serious problem because it leads to a host of future health problems such as high cholesterol, diabetes and cancer.