Information on Childhood Obesity: The Risk Factors & Causes

Childhood obesity occurs when children exceed the recommended weight for their height and age. Overweight children often become overweight adults, which puts them at greater risk of developing future health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Children who are overweight should be encouraged to make healthy eating choices and to increase activity levels.

Poor Diet

• Eating a poor diet filled with calorie and fat laden foods increases a child's risk of becoming obese.

Inactivity

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Children who are in a home where poor food choices are readily available are more likely to deal with weight issues.