Lisa has suffered from obesity since she was 12, now at 17 she weighs approximately 440 pounds. She was known as the odd one out at every school she attended. Due to depression, anxiety and agoraphobia (the fear of large open spaces, crowds or uncontrolled social conditions), caused by the rest of her classmates, she was forced to drop out of school. Children like these are present all over America. Food companies push them to eat more with their tasty dollar menus. One of the areas that must be given greater importance in the fight against obesity is physical education: from elementary school to high school. Obesity is a common disease in America; it usually begins in elementary age. Physical education not only helps prevent obesity but also increases self-confidence. It is proven that most students who follow the physical education program are more successful academically. There is a need for effective strategies that can curve the current obesity trend due to the impact obesity has on both an individual and collective level (health, healthcare costs). services, work). Diets alone or with the use of drugs have not given good results and even less if they are started after the person is obese. It is very important to start at an early age and create a routine that can be followed throughout your life. According to Kiess et al., in their book Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence, obesity is a common disorder in our society today. It is caused by many factors, including excessive calorie intake, genetic influences and lack of physical activity. Different types of foods, mainly carbohydrates, fats and proteins, provide the main sources of energy that the body needs to function. If there is an incorrect scale...... middle of paper....... New York: Gotham, 2004. Kiess W., C Marcus and M. Wabitsch Ed. Obesity in childhood and adolescence . New York: Karger, 2004. March 22, 2008. Laker, Anthony. Beyond the boundaries of physical education: Educating young people. New York: Routledge, 2000. March 22, 2008. “Physical Education in Schools.” American Heart Association. March 26, 2008. “Reducing Obesity Through a School-Based Interdisciplinary Youth Intervention.” Archives of pediatrics and adolescent medicine. April 4, 1999. Health of the planet. March 23, 2008. Sallis, et al. "SPARK." American Journal of Public Health. 1997. March 26, 2008. “Overweight and Obesity Statistics.” US Department of Health and Human Services. . June 2007. March 26, 2008. .Strauss, Richard S. "Childhood Obesity and Self-Esteem." Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. August 24, 1999. March 23. 2008. .