Did you know that today one out of four children are overweight or obese? Obesity is an escalating global health problem. According to statistics cited by the International Food Information Council, the percentage of overweight children in several countries is as follows: 16.1% in Singapore (school children), 14.3% in Thailand, and 7.8% in Malaysia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention further reports that in the United States, 25% of children ages 2 to 20 years are overweight or obese. These figures reflect twice the rate of obesity seen just a decade ago. The National Health and Nutrition Survey III, on the other hand, illustrated that 27% of children under the age of 12 are obese, reflecting a significant increase in obesity over a twenty-year period. Scientific studies reveal that 60% of the children ages 5 to 10 years are overweight and have early biochemical or clinical signs or symptoms of cardiovascular risk factors. In addition, 25% of these children have two or more risk factors. Obesity in the early years can cause psychological, physiological and social problems. As obesity increases and fitness decreases, children are developing chronic diseases at earlier ages. Overweight and obese children tend to grow quicker and are sometimes mistaken for older children. They are more likely to be discriminated against and to develop negative attitudes about being overweight. Even though poor diet and physical inactivity are the primary reasons for obesity, others reasons such as friends and peer pressure groups, sedentary activities, emotional problems, slower rate of metabolism, heredity, environmental factors, and hormone imbalance can also cause obesity. Reaching out to empower children with the knowledge and skills needed for a healthier tomorrow is part of the solution. Are you ready to take the challenge and make a difference? The Alabama Cooperative Extension System has resources and expertise to help individuals, families, and communities to develop or select a longitudinal nutrition education and weight management program. Persons interested in taking the challenge and making a difference may contact me by email at dcook@aces.edu. Or send inquiries to my atention at: Alabama Cooperative Extension System, P.O. Box 967, Normal, AL 35762.