Childhood Obesity

What are the main causes of children being overweight or obese?

It is said that an individual gains weight when their energy input (food) surpasses their energy output (activity). Even though an obese child or adolescent might be eating the same amount of food that a normal-sized child would eat, their energy output levels may be extremely dissimilar. This can account for a small quantity of weight gain but at a continuing increase, which can later result in obesity.

The root of childhood and adolescents being overweight or obese can fluctuate; however, the following can give you a good idea of the majority of the causes. Please also take into consideration that there can be more than one cause combined with another, which escalates the probability that a child will be overweight and/or obese.

• There are a few cases of hormonal or genetic defects, and in those cases it is important that a physician that is familiar with the family history has done thorough examinations and testing to diagnose this. (Growth failure, hypothyroidism, Crushing's Syndrome etc.)
• Genetics has been found to amplify a child or adolescents likelihood of being overweight and obese.
• Environment is said to promote poor nutrition choices, inactivity, and negative social practices.
• Poor nutritional choices and unhealthy eating habits, also sometimes coupled with food addiction and compulsion.
• Inactive lifestyles in which, on a daily basis, the child is sitting in front of the television, computer, or gaming systems versus participating in an active everyday life.