You don't have much money on you and you're hungry, so you grab a bite to eat at a nearby fast food restaurant. Without realizing what you are consuming, you continue to eat these cheap meals every night when you get home from work. Weeks turn into months and the next thing you know, your clothes don't fit the way they used you, you start to notice you're gaining weight. Obesity among young Americans is a problem and can have serious consequences if nothing is done. Obesity is not a person who has a few extra pounds to lose. It is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the point that it can have an effect on health, leading to a reduction in life expectancy and possibly an increase in health problems . A person is not considered obese until they weigh at least 10 pounds more than the recommended weight for their body type and height. In most cases, obesity begins in adolescence and continues to grow from there. Obesity is not necessarily caused by someone eating all day and not incorporating any exercise into their diet. The causes of obesity are complex and vary from genetics and behavior to cultural factors. Obesity can occur when a person consumes more calories than their body can burn. When both parents of a child are obese, the child has an 80 percent chance of becoming obese. Even before you take your first bite, obesity could be your future based solely on your family's genetics. The behavior is linked to obesity because when a person goes through stressful events such as divorce, separation, moving, death or abuse, their body reacts differently and weight gain is more likely to occur. produce. Other reasons for adolescent obesity are depression, low self-esteem, family and peer problems, lack of exercise...... middle of document ...... are Complicated and require work to see changes in your body. want to see. Diet and exercise must be continued continuously to maintain weight. (Obesity in Children and Adolescents) Obesity is a problem that needs to be addressed before it gets out of control. Works Cited Citation Page Obesity in Children and Adolescents | American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. - Statistical data included | Journal of Home Economics and Nutrition | Find articles on BNET." Find articles on BNET | News articles, back issues of magazines and reference articles on all subjects. Np, and Web. May 26, 2010. http://findarticles.com/p/ articles/mi_m0EUB/is_1_12/ai_57512258/.