In Pennsylvania, the fight has a high-profile commander.
Health Secretary Everette James has been visiting schools to enlist students, teachers, and parents in the fight.
At Owen J. Roberts School on Thursday, James was working out with students to promote his 'Active Schools' program.
The goal is to make sure kids get 60 minutes of exercise every day.
He says with first lady Michelle Obama's campaign and Jamie Oliver's "Food Revolution", the desire for change is rising.
"The child obesity epidemic is reaching the stage of impacting the longevity of the lives of kids. This is the first generation where that unless we do something about it are going to live shorter lives than their parents," said James.
James says childhood obesity is a concern for all ages, because everyone pays the bill for weight-related health costs.
