Several studies have come to the same conclusion: the obesity epidemic, especially in the United States, can be traced back to the late 1990’s for adolescents and to 2000 for young adults. Though the researchers came up with when it started, they have not pinpointed a single cause for the increased weight gain nor have they come up with a viable method to deal with it.

The studies that have been done, have all focused on body mass indexes (BMI), tracking the readings for subjects that ranged in age from 12 to 26 for a time period from 1959 to 2002. The results from those studies found that weight gain was highest among girls, especially African American girls. BMIs rose earlier and faster for girls than it did for boys. The study also concluded that on average, black women are heavier than women from other races.

Increased obesity increases the risk of other chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, stroke, liver disease, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis and decreased fertility. The earlier onset of these conditions may cause more serious problems because they increase the amount of damage that can be seen from them. There are other problems as well including lowered self esteem.

Obesity related diseases account for nearly ten percent of all health care funding in the United States, roughly $147 billion a year. Another $73 billion is spent on lost worker productivity every year as well. Nearly ⅔ of all American adults are overweight or obese and nearly ⅓ of children can be described the same way.

Studies have tried to pinpoint a reason for the increased weight gain, with some pointing toward increased time on computers or in front of a television and a delayed move to independence by many young adults. But, according to a study by the Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association , people who use certain social media sites may actually be more likely to engage in some form of exercise because they are often held more accountable. That study concluded that Facebook and Twitter, among others, may be driving the younger generation into more and more physical exercise. Two groups, have increased in exercise frequency and intensity, including 45-54 year olds who were nearly 17% more likely to engage in some form of physical activity on a regular basis.

Others have suggested that school lunches and a lack of recess or physical education classes are at least partially to blame. Some school districts have taken steps to reverse the trend, including the controversial decision by some schools to end chocolate or other flavored milks in their school lunches. Most schools have already removed vending machines, including those that carried healthier snacks.

Fast food restaurants have also had their share of the blame, with some cities threatening to ban toys or prizes in meals targeted to young children. Most fast food places have changed some of their menu items to offer a wider range of healthier food choices for children.