Over four million teens are overweight. (Facts for Families) That staggering number translates to the hard fact that between sixteen and thirty-three percent of teens are overweight.

A study about the suffering of obese teens was printed in the "Journal of the American Medical Association." The study said that overweight teens "suffer as much as someone with cancer." I don't buy it. Some cancers are irreversible while being overweight can almost always be changed. Whether it is easy or takes extreme measures, something can be done to help the problem.

There were many clever anti-Bush slogans such as "No More Bushit," "Buck Fush" and "Dump Bush." Five college-aged men were shirtless with "K-E-R-R-Y" spelled across their chests and back.

Television shows are teeming with ways to fight fat. On ABC's daytime talk show "The View" Meredith Viera has been in charge of a weight loss club for children and teens called "Meredith's Club." ABC's "Extreme Makeover" has had a show on "Battling the Bulge" and Dr. Phil has joined in on the war against obesity with his own weight loss books and talk shows. Everyone is focused on losing weight, but is anyone actually dropping pounds?

Instead of focusing on obscure diets and killer exercise plans, some doctors are focusing on more obtainable programs for teens. Three myths about weight are debunked in the next section of this article.

Myth #1 - You cannot eat fatty foods.

Fact: Yes, believe it or not, you can eat fatty foods. The key to not gaining weigh is to eat foods with high fat content in moderation. Instead of three hot dogs, eat one hot dog and pair it with a salad. Try to keep the fat content to a minimum but it is okay to treat yourself every once in a while.

Myth #2 - Exercise is boring by nature.

Fact: Exercise can be fun if you do something you enjoy. Go for a swim on a hot day, try sledding in the winter. Take a bike ride, try jumping on a trampoline or walking to a friend's house instead of driving.

Myth #3 - Only those with a personal trainer and a gym membership can lose serious weight and get into shape.

Fact: No, you don't need a "Gold's Gym" membership card to get a good workout. One of the proven best ways to burn calories is with the purchase of one machine: the treadmill. Walking and jogging are a great way to exercise. Attach weights to your wrists and ankles to burn more calories and toughen the work out. If you get bored easily on the treadmill, wear headphones or set it in a room with a television. The time will fly if you keep your mind on something other than the work your body is doing.

You may want to try exercising without thinking of it as exercise in the form of dancing. Your local library is sure to be chock full of videos that teach simple but fun dancing steps. Or enroll in dance classes at a local studio or community college. Many schools offer hip hop, tap and even belly dancing. If you'd rather wing it, put on your favorite CD and make up your own steps. It doesn't matter if you're a good dancer or not, as long as you're up and moving.

There are various factors that can cause weight gain. There are four issues that affect teens more than the other issues. Four of the biggest reasons for gaining weight are poor eating habits, stress, depression and medication or steroids.

Poor eating habits start as soon as you get out of bed. Not eating breakfast will leave you starving by lunch where you'll be more likely to overeat. Convenient packaged foods or fast foods may seem like the best option if you're short on time, but in the long run you'll wish you hadn't eaten as much of it. Packaged are usually high in sodium, which causes water retention. As if it's not enough that you're getting lots of fat from packaged foods, you'll be gaining weight from extra water.

Stress does cause weight gain. If you're stressed, you're likely to eat "comfort food" and not realize how much you're eating. Stress may trigger chemicals in your body that cling to fat cells. Stress also evaluates your heart rate and makes you vulnerable to illnesses. If you're feeling stressed, take a breather. Find at least an hour to do something for yourself.

It's not just an outer body image that is affected by being overweight. Obesity is dangerous since it can lead to many serious health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.

The US Centers for Disease Control predict that in 2005, the number one health killer of humans will be obesity. Cancer will no longer be on the top of the list, it will be obesity. Being overweight has now become an epidemic in our country. Isn't that something we should try to fight?

Please note: Before you star any diet or workout regimen, contact your doctor!

- Jessica Burkhart, Real Life - Managing Editor