KTKA

An epidemic is sweeping the nation. Fast food and sedentary lifestyles are leading to 60 million Americans obese. And it's not just adults.

Scott Huston, owner of Maximus Wellness and Fitness, said, "More and more we see they are kind of calling it an epidemic for kids."

A new government study says a third of all children are obese. Maximus Fitness says they try and make families feel welcome.

"We're getting them involved and making it more of a family affair at the club," Huston said.

Other parents, aware of the statistics, say they are getting an early start. Julia, Sophia and Sam are two year-old triplets.

Laney Gliser said, "We go out every single day and play outside and hardly watch TV; feed them healthy foods. "

Laney has her hands full, but chooses fresh foods instead of fast.

"It's easy, but the benefits of not eating fast food definitely outweigh the convenience of it," she said.

Folks at Maximus insist it's never too late to start, even if you are part of the majority that are obese. They agree with the government study that says the best way to drop the pounds is to get moving.

Scott Huston said, "Doing this cardio vascular 2 to 3 times a week for 30 minutes, that alone is going to help their risk for heart disease and things of that nature, let alone losing weight."

The Department of Health and Human Services says just 2 and a half hours a week of exercise can go a long way. And that you can start with a 10 minute walk each day.