SAN DIEGO -- A San Diego author is battling childhood obesity with a book that helps kids make healthy lifestyle choices and gets them back on track to lose weight.

Fitness advocate and author Merilee Kern wrote, 'It's Not Your Fault That You're Overweight -- A Story of Enlightenment, Empowerment and Accomplishment For Overweight and Obese Kids.'

"There is a real problem out there, and I had a voice and I had to do something about it," Kern said.

The illustrated book shows how an overweight child encounters and ultimately overcomes the emotional and physical challenges associated with being overweight.

"I go to great pains to say , 'It's not your fault you are overweight. ' I want to take some of the blame off their shoulders," Kern said.

In the end, the child in the book realizes how to take steps to become healthier and begins to lose weight.

"It's showing them how very small choices in fact altogether lead to positive outcomes," Kern said.

The book can be purchased online at www.barnesandnoble.com or Amazon.com for about $12.

There is also a coloring and activity e-book adaptation for children ages 7 and under. It can be purchased online at www.notfault.com.