Reasons for Obesity in Children

Obesity is a growing problem but nowhere is it as detrimental as with children. With the risk of health problems such as diabetes and heart disease, it is important to identify the root of the issue and help stop obesity. Research has shown significant problems with the American diet and a tendency of children as well as adults to live a sedentary life. The reasons for obesity in children lie primarily with overeating and under-exercising.

In the Genes

• Over several decades, it has been acknowledged that certain family characteristics contribute to obesity in children but the majority of the findings showed that where weight connects with DNA is in such disorders as Prader-Will Syndrome or the tendency for extra weight to settle in specific areas of the body.

  Recent studies have shown a closer link between obesity and genetics. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, genes can be the cause of a predisposition to obesity where appetite, energy levels and even faster storage of fat are concerned. The only treatment for such problems thus far is extra attention to a healthy diet and exercise.

  A malfunctioning thyroid that produces too little thyroxine (hypothyroidism) will cause low energy and rapid weight gain. If hypothyroidism runs in the family, it may not take long for parents to recognize all of the symptoms. However, if the symptoms are not obvious, it may take some time before a child sees a physician and is diagnosed.

In the Home

• When one or both parents are overweight, there is a good chance their children will be overweight as well. Lifestyle habits such as eating patterns and inactivity contribute greatly to the problem.

  Candy, chips and sugary snacks and a refrigerator full of unhealthy options can be too tempting for children to ignore.

  The popularity of media such as television, computers and video games has made staying in preferable to outside play. Rather than participating in life on a physically active level, children are occupying themselves with passive entertainment.

On the Run

• This is a fast food culture. Whether families are eating at fast food chains or preparing fast meals at home, the idea of convenience food has people grabbing the quickest meals they can find. Microwave meals, take-out, pizza and packaged, processed food have become staples in the typical American diet. The demands of work, school and extracurricular activities have families commuting from one place to the next and convenience food tends to be high in fat, carbohydrates, sodium and calories.

At School

• School lunches are meant to satisfy hunger, and while meals are usually balanced, they also tend to be high in fat and calories. Vending machines filled with candy bars, potato chips and sodas tempt junior and senior high students and many may be substituting such goodies for a healthy lunch.

  Long hours spent at school desks and little time spent in physical fitness activities are counterproductive to a fit and active lifestyle.

Concerns

• Obesity increases risk factors for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. While thin children and adults may be afflicted with any one of those diseases, the risks increase dramatically with obesity.

  Childhood obesity leads to problems with weight in adulthood. Research shows that 80 percent of obese children are obese at 25 years of age and 25 percent of overweight adults were obese as children.

  Obesity takes a toll on the mental and emotional aspect as well. Being overweight can cause feelings of inadequacy and encourage children and adults to treat the obese child differently, which can lead to lower self-esteem and depression.

Solutions

• Providing children with healthy foods and opportunities for physical play are at the top of the list for shedding the extra pounds or maintaining a healthy weight. As role models, adults can adopt healthy lifestyle habits and encourage children to follow the lead. The problem of childhood obesity may be solved with cooperation between schools, families and communities.