Some of the primary childhood obesity causes are:
Eating too much. Many children have eating habits and lifestyles that allow them to eat as much food as they want at more frequent times of the day.
Eating the wrong foods. Twenty-first century eating habits which lean away from eating fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, other healthy foods and lean toward fast foods and convenience foods, which are higher in fat, carbohydrates and calories. Healthier foods are often less accessible and less affordable than unhealthy foods. With a constant barrage of advertising, kids are more likely to give in to what tastes good to them-fast food, junk food and sugary drinks.
Not exercising enough. Many children are growing up in an sedentary lifestyle in which transportation-cars, buses and trains-takes the place of walking. Their leisure time is rarely spent playing baseball and running around outdoors and is too often devoted to video games, computers and watching television.
Genetics. A small proportion of obese children are prone to obesity because their parents have the same tendencies. A child who may be predisposed to obesity may need to take extra steps to eat healthy and get more than the normal amount of exercise.
Home atmosphere. Children learn their eating habits at home. If the family eats a diet heavy on processed foods, convenience foods, fast food and other unhealthy meals, that's what children will want to eat.
Psychological and emotional issues. Some children deal with stress, anger, anxiety and boredom by overeating. Food can become a comforting solution to negative feelings. Different children have different levels of willpower, and some kids find it difficult to avoid indulging in foods that they crave.
Factors Associated With Childhood Obesity
Experts identify eight main factors that are associated with a greater risk of obesity in childhood. They are:
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