hereditary fatness
Americans value compactness in every way - from top models to laptop computers - considering thinness as beauty. Nevertheless, the prevalence of obesity in the USA nowadays is higher than ever. Statistics show that the obese population has doubled since the 1970s.
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Obese children at risk
Research have shown that if obesity develops in childhood or puberty, the risk of its persisting into adult life is high. The risk is greatest for children who are obese between nine and thirteen, and over 50 percent of such children remain obese as adults. For children who have one or two obese parents, the risk is even higher. Obesity can be caused by different factors, all of which lead to an excess of caloric intake. When your calorie intake exceeds your needs the calories are converted into fat. Obesity in childhood due to endocrinologic conditions, such as thyroid disease makes up less than 2 percent of the obese population. 
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The genetic Contribution
The same small percentage comprises genetic disorders (such as the Prader-Willi Syndrome). Though obesity is considered to be hereditary, the genetic contributions to fatness are not well understood. Various studies have yet to establish the exact contributions of caloric intake to obesity development. Conversely if you increase the amountof time you spend in front of the TV, VCR, or playing video games, the greater the risk of obesity. Relatively, if you decrease the time you spend watching TV you will achieve less weight gain. Furthermore, various developmental factors may lead to over-consumption of calories. The most important of these are poor self-regulation of intake, an \"obese eating style\" (which means rapid consumption of calories via rapid eating) and difficult infant or child temperament. Infant-feeding studies have shown that there exists a style of vigorous feeding (similar to the obese eating style) – a rapid sucking leading to greater caloric intake per feeding. Self-regulation of eating is poorer in fatter girls, studies show, as well as in children who are exposed to a controlling parenting style. Difficult children, the ones low in rhythmicity, adaptability and approach, and/or a negative outlook, appear to be more rapid in weight gain. The probable reason for this is that parents give more food to their children as a soothing technique. This canlater be used by the children as a technique for comforting themselves.