Obesity in children and adolescents has become a serious problem in world society. “Obesity was thought to be caused simply by eating too much, as a result of psychological problems related to food: using food to deal with depression, anxiety problems, even happiness” (Currie-McGhee 220). Children become obese because they spend too much time in front of computers and TV instead of going out, moving and exercising outdoors. These children must begin to fight against overweight with the help of their parents, an exercise group or with special support. If these obese children live this unhealthy lifestyle they can contract hypertension, diabetes, cancer and many other life-threatening diseases. Childhood obesity is a serious global problem that could be controlled with a healthy lifestyle of exercise and nutrition. Obesity does not mean having a few extra pounds. Obesity is a disease. Obese people have an excessive accumulation of body fat percentage which has negative effects on their lifestyle. “Although childhood obesity is often defined as weight-for-height greater than 120% of the ideal, skinfold measurements are more accurate determinants of fat” (Dietz). Many people don't know the difference between obesity and overweight. Obesity is more than 20% above the ideal weight for a particular height and age. Obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or more, while overweight is considered to be a BMI between 25 and 29 and is not defined as a disease. Each pound of body fat represents approximately 3,500 kilocalories. Industrial countries such as the United States of America are severely affected. 12.5 million American children and adolescents between the ages of two and nineteen are obese. An important factor when getting divorced or the family has to move. Often children don't know how to handle new difficult situations and start eating. Many young teenagers have problems within their bodies that may not be visible to everyone at first glance. Works Cited Currie-McGhee, Leanne K. Childhood Obesity. vol. 104. Minesota: Lucent, 2012. Print.Dietz. Definition of obesity in children and adolescents. Np: np, 1983. PrintGottesman, Nancy. "Should I put my child on a diet?" vol. 27. Np: Parenting.com, 2013. Parenting Early Years. Network. April 2013. Lumeng, Julie and MD Obese children more vulnerable to bullies. Np: Anne Harding, 2010. Web. April 2013. .Currie-McGhee, Leanne K. Childhood Obesity. vol. 104. Minesota: Lucent, 2012. Print.