What are some ways to decrease obesity in children?

If you notice, more and more children are becoming obese. In fact, children are expected to live five years less than their parents because of obesity. In fact, a stunning 17% of kids aged 2-19 years old in the USA are obese. What are some ways to implement change in nations where there are fast food chains on every block?

I don't think obesity in a child should be considered neglect on the part of the parents. I'm not trying to say obesity is a wonderful thing or parents don't have a responsibility to their children. Maybe these parents make bad choices for their kids in letting them become obese---parents make bad choices all the time---but a mistake isn't necessarily a crime. I'd be inerested to see how many of the 17% (a stat I'm hesitant to accept unconditionally) have parents who are obese as well.
As far as what people can do when "there are fast food chains on every block" (not to mention processed food for sale in supermarkets) is to be more aware of the food that they buy. Do things like check the nutritional content on the back of the items---how many calories of fat, how much is trans. fat, how much sodium etc. Also, stop buying stuff like soda, junk food---or, like my parents did, just buy one dessert or other snack while everything else is healthy.
Finally--and this can be a bit difficult when people are always working---COOK YOUR OWN FOOD. At least then you'll know what goes into what you and your kids are eating

this is hard for you to understand or they wouldn't have the problem. skipping the whys and ifs, feed them less food, you dope!
Perhaps a proper diet instead of so much fast food junk would help.
Proper diet and exercise
Proper diet and less sitting on their b*tts inside the house
My suggestion is to get them more involved in outdoor activities. We used to almost never hang out in the house when I was kid. We were outside chasing eachother around, riding bikes, climbing trees, exploring the woods, building forts, etc...

Too much time is spent in front of televisions, video games, and on cell phones these days.

Expand your kid's horizons. take them and their friends outside and challenge them in some physical activity such as tag the "grown-up".

Look for buried treasure in the woods, beach, or desert.
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