The obesity epidemic has occurred relatively quickly, just over three decades, an increase that correlates to the exponential growth in the production and use of synthetic chemicals. Many of these chemicals are better known for causing weight loss at high levels of exposure, but the very same chemicals can promote weight gain at low concentrations. (Read more.) It is certainly confusing, and we have only just begun to understand the implications.

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States and more than one in three American children between the ages of six and 19 are considered overweight or obese. This prevalence has nearly tripled for adolescents in the past two decades. (Read more.) Since overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults (80% if even one parent is obese or overweight), the prognosis for the future health of Americans is declining.

Learn more about obesity using the following resources:

• National Library of Medicine
• The Nemours Foundation
• The Obesity Society
• US Department of Agriculture
• Weight-Control Information Network
• Everyday Health's Weight Hub

Learn about potential environmental links and ways to reduce your child’s risk here.