“One in every death in America is caused by a disease directly linked to overweight and obesity” (Carmona). Over the years, the number of Americans has increased. This increase is the result of excess; it did not increase until Americans began preparing larger meals and eating fast food. If one does not prepare food for oneself, the individual does not know exactly what is being put into one's body. Food they didn't prepare themselves, so they don't know what they're eating. Today's society faces an obesity epidemic; To address this problem, America should consider creating a national weigh-in. A national weigh-in would require all Americans to visit their health clinic and be informed of their weight. Many would think that this would cost more money for health care, but due to the availability of the Affordable Care Act, this should not be a problem. No one should live an unhealthy life. Obesity is a factor that weighs heavily on our country. Former Surgeon General Richard Carmona wrote a report explaining that obesity is no small factor: In 2000, the total annual cost of obesity in the United States was $117 billion. While value-added meals may save us change at the counter, they cost us billions of dollars in healthcare and lost productivity. Physical inactivity and heavy meals are leading to a nation of overweight people. (Carmona 13) $117 billion is a huge amount of money to spend on health care. This money could have been better spent making our country healthier and more economically advanced. In the book Obesity, author Evelyn Kelly said: "Poor diet and physical inactivity account for more than 300,000...... middle of the newspaper ......han 2 hours a day of Regular television viewing has been linked to overweight and obesity” (“The Obesity Crisis…”). Americans have chosen to use the television, telephone, or computer in their free time, and their free time is just as inactive. Individuals like to do things quickly and easily, once they are done they like to rest and relax and not move around too much. Carmona also said: “This crisis is obesity. It is the fastest growing cause of illness and death in America. And it’s completely preventable” (“The Obesity Crisis…”). Despite Americans' knowledge about obesity, they choose to live lives that promote obesity. Since obesity is a choice, a national weigh-in would allow the patient to know that they are able to make lifestyle changes if they wish before being affected by it. Obesity can lead to a higher risk of death. People strive to be immune because they fear death..