Causes of Childhood Obesity

Print This Post

Email This Post

RSS Updates

Email Updates

For most children or adolescents the causes for obesity are similar to those of adults

Genetics
Some genetic conditions have been proven to make children more prone to having weight management issues. This is often referred to as the “fat gene”. While this is based on factual medical research this is the exception not the rule in most cases.

Sedentary Lifestyle
Children or adolescents who don’t spend a lot of time playing, involved in sports or other physical activity is one of the two primary causes of childhood obesity. With children spending more time in front of televisions, computers and video game consoles the amount of exercise they get has diminished greatly and is continuing on a downward trend.

Nutrition
This is the second most common cause of childhood obesity. Eating foods that are high in sugar or fats deprives the body of the building blocks necessary to develop properly. This is most often caused by “fast food” and snack foods which should only be consumed in moderation. Many children also don’t get enough fiber and protein into their diet to allow their bodies to develop normally. This creates a cycle with children who have low energy levels and choose sedentary activities.

Environment
Some families in lower income levels don’t have access to proper medical care or good quality foods. The combination of these two factors can contribute to a lifetime of poor diet and health.

Emotional
Children like adults often seek comfort in certain foods. This helps them deal with stress or social problems. Adolescents are particularly susceptible to negative feeling or stigmas regarding weight. If they turn to food for comfort they are now in a cycle of bad behavior.

Popularity: 55% [?]