One of the most commonly discussed issues in America in recent decades has been obesity. It remains one of the major problems of American society and requires a careful, systematic but also immediate solution. Obesity is a term used to describe a body weight much higher than what is considered healthy. Today, 65 percent of adults in the United States are overweight, and half of those are obese. The rates for children are lower, but they are also not satisfactory: 15% are overweight and another 15% are headed in the same direction (Lemonick). In addition to the cosmetic problems that this condition creates for many people, it is best known as the leading cause of serious health problems. There are many causes that contribute to these high obesity rates. The most serious is the modern and fast lifestyle. Adults in America today, especially those living in big cities, don't have free time (Schor) and as a result aren't able to prepare good old home-cooked meals as frequently as they once did. Instead, they prefer to eat ready-made foods or at least make sure their freezer has enough space for microwave-ready meals. Foods of this type are known for their poor nutritional value but also for the large amount of calories they offer. Another cause of obesity is the side effects of evolving technology. People increasingly depend on technology to complete many of their daily tasks: they drive almost everywhere, rely on household appliances to carry out jobs related to their home, spend many hours on a monthly basis in front of the computer and TV set, etc. This reliance on technology negatively impacts Americans' fitness, as they do not exercise or are physically active as much as...... middle of paper ......arch&_sort=d&view= c&_acct=C000000005&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid =10&md5=d1fd7b6e9dd69ea0d78c9909a822c6cf>Lemonick, Michael D. "How We Grew So Big." June 7, 2004. Time Online Edition. April 4, 2008. Schor, Juliet B. “The Overworked American.” 1991. Kunz Center Book Reviews. April 4, 2008. United States.Department of Health and Human Services. “Obesity costs billions in medical costs.” Corporate Communications Office. January 24, 2004. United States. GOV. April 4, 2008. United States. National Institutes of Health. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Obesity education initiative. September 1998. April 4th. 2008.