Information on Childhood Obesity: The Risk Factors & Causes
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Poor Diet
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Eating a poor diet filled with calorie and fat laden foods increases a child's risk of becoming obese.
Inactivity
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Children who prefer sitting for long periods to watch TV or play video games are more likely to become obese because they are not burning off enough of the calories that they are eating.
Genetics
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Some children who are born into families dominated by overweight people, may be predisposed to gain weight more easily than their peers. These children will have to be even more careful about diet.
Emotional Problems
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Some children learn to use food to cope with unpleasant emotions such as sadness or loneliness. They may see their parents also using food as a coping mechanism.
Environment
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Children who are in a home where poor food choices are readily available are more likely to deal with weight issues.
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