For many years now we have been educated regarding the harmful effects smoking has on our health. It appears people have finally taken heed to the dangers. According to a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine "in the past 15 years, smoking rates have declined by 20 percent." Smoking cessation programs are working and continued access to them is critical. While the smoking rate has decreased, the same cannot be said about the U.S. obesity rate. Because of this trend, life expectancy gains from those no longer smoking is being offset by the increase in the size of the American waistband. Researchers from the University of Michigan and Harvard University who led this study revealed while smoking rates have dropped, obesity rates have continued to rise significantly, with almost half the American population slated to be obese in less than 10 years. If Americans were to give up smoking and embrace a healthy lifestyle, life expectancy gains can be anticipated, but also quality of life would be expected to increase. "Public health efforts to discourage smoking have worked, and a similar effort could help turn around obesity rates." Nevertheless, we as a nation must be willing to educate not only our children, but adults who are well set in their ways, as to the benefits of embracing a healthy lifestyle. We have made such great strides in helping people quit smoking or not starting altogether, but as Dr. Rosen has pointed out, "Losing weight is harder than quitting smoking. People don't have to smoke to live. People have to eat to live." Our children are not guaranteed the same life expectancy if this trend of obesity is not reversed. Obesity can be linked to a greater incidence of heart disease, cancer and diabetes which will only lead to a heavier burden on our healthcare system due to the rising cost to treat these diseases. While we may have made tremendous strides in reversing the smoking trend in this country, we must be willing to make the same strides in reversing the obesity trend.