Obesity now contributes to the death of more than 360,000 Americans a year. The incidence of childhood obesity is now at epidemic levels. Alarm bells are going off all over the place. But our government has done virtually nothing.

If we are serious about combating the childhood obesity epidemic and improving child nutrition, then everyone must chip in -- parents, schools, and yes even Congress.

This study should be a wake up call to all Americans, and specifically to those of us in Congress who have stood idly by as more and more junk food inundates our schools,

As childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes continue to rise at unprecedented rates, it is crucial that families make nutrition and exercise an everyday priority. There are many simple changes that can become lifelong habits. These include making neighborhood walks part of a family's routine, making fruits and vegetables available at home and at school and reducing the amount of sugar in beverages and baked goods.

It's a bold and sweeping step that industry and childhood obesity advocates have decided to take together.

Childhood obesity is a huge systemic problem. It's a pandemic to a certain extent.