Why is obesity such a problem in the United States? What are some societal changes that potentially account for this epidemic-like change?

Your textbook discusses some of the long-term physical and psychological consequences of childhood obesity. This is a major issue because obesity is strongly correlated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes as well as low self-esteem, depression, and exclusion from peer groups. In addition, economically speaking, obesity-related morbidity may account for almost 7 percent of U.S. health-care costs. In Paper Assignment #1, respond to the following questions:

• Why is obesity such a problem in the United States? What are some societal changes that potentially account for this epidemic-like change?
• What are the long-term consequences of childhood obesity?
• What is the developmental pattern of obese individuals and what could explain this pattern?
• What are some social policies implemented at either the local, state, or federal level to reduce the number of obese children? Have these interventions been successful? Why or why not?

Use mainly this book as a reference and additional peer-reviewed sources:

Developmental Psychology (120683690) 9^th editions.