Childhood obesity has tripled in the United States since the 1970s, leaving many of America's children vulnerable to long-term physical and mental health issues. In an attempt to understand what is responsible for these swelling statistics, a number of health professionals, school administrators, government officials, and cultural experts have examined the possible culprits. This informative edition explores a number of those perspectives, urging readers to use essays and articles as the basis for further inquiry and individual assessment. This book examines the role of government, the responsibilities of parents, the health care costs of childhood obesity, fast food and food marketing, as well as physical activity as it relates to childhood obesity.