Junk food has been present in our lives for decades. People see it everywhere all the time, such as in convenience stores, advertising, schools, airports, groceries, gas stations, etc. It refers to food that has low nutritional value and provides high levels of sugar, calories, fat and salt. Junk food has been accused of causing serious health problems and this is why America's largest food companies have gathered for a meeting to discuss the issue. According to "The Amazing Science of Addictive Junk Food," written by Michael Moss, the company's everyday rivals, CEOs and presidents had gathered for a rare private meeting. There was one item on the agenda: 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 increase health problems, including hypertension, diabetes, stroke and heart disease. Although major food companies are aware that much of the food they produce is a leading cause of obesity and related health problems, they continue to market and engineer junk food for the public. Nowadays, obesity is a major American health crisis that people have problems with. There are some factors that cause obesity, such as consuming too much junk food and eating larger portions than their body needs. “American adults eat an average of 500-800 calories per day more than their bodies need” (Marks). Genetics play a role and can cause obesity in some people, but environment and behavior also have an influence. For example, sleep deprivation and lack of physical activity. People choose to spend their free time in front of the television or computer and do not use it for exercise. “In 2009-2010 more than a third or more than 78 million American adults and apps… at the center of the paper… extraordinary science that addicts junk food.” The New York Times. The New York Times, February 20, 2013. Web. November 6, 2013. Paulas, Rick. “The Weird Science of Junk Food Jargon.” KCET.org. KCETLink, June 7, 2013. Web. November 12, 2013. United States. US Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Overweight and obesity. September 11, 2013. Web. November 18, 2013. Finkelstein, Eric A., et al. “Annual Medical Spending Attributable to Obesity: Payer- and Service-Specific Estimates.” Health Affairs 28(2009): pw822-pw831. Academic journal. Network. December 2, 2013. Marks, Jennifer B. “Obesity in America: It's Getting Worse.” Clinical Diabetes 22.1(2004): 1-2. Academic journal. Network. December 4, 2013.Knorr, Caroline. “Tips for Junk Food Ads.” commonsensemedia.org. commonsensemedia, June 1, 2012. Web. December 6 2013.