The American people need a multi-pronged approach involving government action, the medical community, and consideration of environmental factors to to successfully combat obesity and reduce its threat to the health of our country. Recent statistics show that nearly sixty million people in the United States are obese with a BMI over thirty. The number of obese people has doubled over the past twenty years (Perry 2). Although the word epidemic is generally associated with infectious diseases, the term epidemic is attributed to the rapid spread of obesity in our population (Robinson 1). Almost everyone knows that the reason for obesity is that people consume too many calories and exercise too little. “For what is probably the first time in history, the lives of millions of people are in danger, not because they don't have enough to eat, but because they eat too much” (Perry 1) . The US government complied and studied the country's obesity statistics and began its action plan to eliminate childhood obesity as well as adult obesity. They have suggested or instituted a growing number of interventions and regulations to this effect, as well as some federal laws. One of these proposals involves restricting the sale of sugary sodas in public schools. Numerous studies have shown how sugary sodas influence weight gain. The government has recognized this fact by proposing special taxes on sugary sodas, as well as suggesting the idea of ​​not allowing the sale of sugary sodas to food stamp recipients. ("Soda Tax") The federal government also decreed that food packages in grocery stores have ingredient labeling so that the consumer knows the calorie content as well as the content of protein, carbohydrates, fat, sodium and other v ..... . middle of article......another area that is critically examined by Okie, from ---- "school lunches, snacks, soda machines" to the role parents should play to make more positive changes to their children's choices of healthier products. food and more physical activity (Hassink A 318). Obesity will not be an easy war to win. People will need to be made aware of the health dangers that obesity causes and they will need to demand that the food industry change and provide healthier choices. People will need to send their message to their representatives in Congress for help from the government to pass laws and regulations that protect their children and themselves. Parents and families must become advocates for a healthier environment. Only they can truly change the war against obesity in their favor. Governments and medicine are important partners, but the real warriors are the people themselves..