At 5 years old, Jessica weighed more than 200 pounds. At age 7, her weight had increased to more than 400 pounds, labeling her the world's heaviest child. Her leg bones bowed under her large frame until eventually they were unable to support her at all. She constantly cried out for food.

Jessica's story was shown by multiple news stations; while many empathized with her, some were not so kind.

Although Jessica's is an extreme case, many children suffer from a similar problem. According to KidsHealth.org, one in three children is considered overweight. Research shows obesity is becoming an increasingly widespread problem throughout our country—so widespread that it is even affecting children under school age. Children as young as 2 are overweight. According to Nutrition Journal, childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels.

So what should be done about it? Many agree that to target childhood obesity effectively we should begin at schools and in the home.

A quote from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site states, "Reversing the obesity epidemic requires a long-term, well-coordinated approach to reach young people where they live, learn and play…we need to reshape social and physical environments and provide information, tools and practical strategies to help students adopt healthy lifestyles."

Even the CDC agrees that battling the problem should take place in every aspect of a child's life, so why not in youth groups? Youth groups are places where children are surrounded by peers, learning how to live godly lives and taught by people to whom they look up and revere. Yet how much is being done in youth groups to encourage healthy lifestyles? In order to address the problem, it is best to be knowledgeable about it.

According to the CDC, an interaction between genetic, behavioral and environmental factors could be to blame for this growing problem.

Genetic factors cannot be the sole contributors to this issue, according to the CDC. There are many more behavioral factors that can be to blame.

First, children are increasing their energy intake. With larger portion sizes, a greater numbers of meals consumed away from home and frequent snacking, children are now consuming many more empty calories than in previous years.

Also, our society has become increasingly sedentary, causing a lack of physical activity on the part America's youth. A CDC study found that time spent watching television, videos and movies averaged more than three hours a day among children ages 8 to 18. This behavior ultimately can lead to decreased physical activity, increased energy consumption through snacking and an influence on children to make unhealthy food choices.

Environmental factors are contributing to childhood obesity, as well. Children are impacted everywhere—in the home, at school and even by the community.

The effects of childhood obesity go beyond a busting waistline to physical and even emotional health threats. According to the CDC, childhood obesity can create a high risk for the following health concerns: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea and social and psychological problems such as low self-esteem.