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Describing and synthesizing “Livin’ large” is no longer just a slang phrase; it is now literally becoming a dangerous problem. According to the U.S surgeon general’s report more than 61 percent of our nation’s adults are overweight, 27 percent of those are obese. This is more than a physical appearance problem, with obesity comes a high risk of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, angina, and lung disease. Obesity is responsible for about 300,000 deaths a year and is the second leading killer, just behind tobacco (Marcus; Raeburn). This essay is a closer look at some of the causes of why our country is overweight, what has changed economically from past to present, as well as what is being done to combat the problem. “The primary reason that America is fat is that we eat too much compared to our activity level,” says Hill. Some people claim they are actually victims of the type of food that is sold at fast food restaurants, this may sound crazy but there is actually growing evidence that this is the case. Food that is high in fat and sugar can react on the brain the same as addictive drugs such as heroin or nicotine (“A High with Your Fries”). Fast food is also showing up in our schools.