Genetic and environmental factors both contribute to childhood obesity. While genes may predispose individuals, it is the modern environment that is the main trigger for the obesity epidemic through factors like highly processed foods, lack of physical activity, and chemicals in our environment. If current trends continue unabated, future generations could face dramatically higher rates of obesity-related diseases, lower life expectancy, and potentially even societal collapse. Wide-scale policy changes are needed to promote healthier diets and lifestyles.