A new epidemic is gripping the world. You can see it in San Antonio and London, in Beijing and Tashkent: Far too many kids are far too fat, putting them on track to becoming the first generation in history to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. And it's not their fault. It's not their parents' fault, either. It's not even entirely Ronald McDonald's fault, although it's time for him to wipe that smile off his face. Obesity is the biggest threat to our children's health today, and it's up to us to get serious about defending kids against it.

Generation Extra Large reveals the cultural and economic causes of childhood obesity. It's not only television, video games and junk food. Parents work long hours that disrupt family eating and exercise. Schools compound the problem by lining the halls with soda machines, serving fast food and cutting back physical education and recess. Poverty plays a key role, with kids growing up in neighborhoods where it's too dangerous to play and where unhealthy food is affordable and all too easy to get.

But there is hope. Dedicated parents, educators, physicians, and community leaders are working to find creative, effective ways of helping our children slim down and stay healthy. The authors give voice to these crusaders, and provide checklists, interactive tests, and nutritional guides for concerned readers. Generation Extra Large explains why the epidemic has grown, reveals the consequences it has in store for our young people-and gives us tools to fight it.