Junk food has been part of our lives for decades. People always see it everywhere, like in convenience stores, advertising, schools, airports, grocery stores, gas stations, etc. It refers to foods that have low nutritional value and contain high levels of sugar, calories, fat and salt. Junk food has been blamed for causing major health problems and is why America's biggest food companies have come together to discuss the issue. According to "The Extraordinary Science of Addictive Junk Food," writes Michael Moss, Another Day's Rivals, CEOs and company presidents had gathered for a rare private meeting. One item on the agenda was the emerging obesity epidemic and how to address it. Junk food has been causing serious health problems for decades, which can lead to obesity and cause health problems including high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and heart disease. Although big food companies are aware that most of the food they produce is one of the leading causes of obesity and related health problems, they continue to market and manufacture junk food to the public . with. Certain factors cause obesity, such as consuming too much junk food and eating larger portions than their body needs. “American adults eat on average 500 to 800 calories per day more than their bodies need” (Marks). Genetics play a role and can make some people obese, but environment and behavior also have an influence. For example lack of sleep and lack of physical activity. People choose to spend their free time in front of a television or computer and do not use their time to exercise. "In 2009-2010, more than a third, or more than 78 million American adults and approximately...... middle of paper ...... extraordinary science of addictive junk food." The New York Times. The New York Times, February 20, 2013. Web. November 6, 2013. Paulas, Rick. “The strange science of junk food jargon.” KCET.org. KCETLink, June 7, 2013. Web. November 12, 2013. United States. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Overweight and obesity. September 11, 2013. the web. November 18, 2013. Finkelstein, Eric A. et al. “Annual medical expenditures attributable to obesity: Payer- and service-specific estimates.” » Health Affairs 28 (2009): pw822-pw831. Academic journal. Internet. December 2, 2013. Marks, Jennifer B. “Obesity in America: It's Getting Worse.” » Clinical Diabetes 22.1 (2004): 1-2. Academic journal. Internet. December 4, 2013. Knorr, Caroline. “Tips on Junk Food Ads.” commonsensemedia.org. commonsensemedia, June 1, 2012. Web. December 6 2013.