5 Major Causes Of Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is undoubtedly a growing menace. The prevalence of this condition is so high that tackling it is quite challenging.

We all are aware of obesity and its dangers but what is this childhood obesity? Childhood obesity is a condition where body fat in excess impacts the child’s health and well being in general.Being a global phenomenon, it is estimated that the number of overweight children below the age of five exceeds 40 million all over the world. Asia alone comprises about half and Africa about a quarter of all those affected.

The major area of concern is that the overweight and obese children are most likely to carry this trait into their adulthood and shall be prone to suffer from lifestyle-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a young age.

These factors have made childhood obesity a serious public health issue.

However, the silver lining is that childhood obesity is largely preventable and taking necessary steps at early stages can curb the development of full-blown obesity and other diseases.

Poor diet

Children these days excessively indulge in unhealthy foods loaded with sugars and fats. These foods also have a high amount of calories. On the other hand, the consumption of nutrient-dense foods has also come down. This is directly responsible for childhood obesity.

Lack of exercise

In the past decade, a sedentary lifestyle among children has become a common thing. Smartphone/TV addiction and other entertainment are the primary cause of this. Children also spend a large amount of time indoors rather than outdoors.

Socio economic reasons

Societal factors (peer pressure) compel the child to live in an environment that encourages unhealthy eating habits. Families with limited access to resources adopt processed frozen foods which are convenient but not healthy.

Family reasons

If your child belongs to a family of obese or overweight members, it is most likely that he or she will suffer the same fate. The environment in the family promotes the intake of high-calorie foods, and physical activity is discouraged.

Psychological reasons

If your child is stressed due to family and parental pressures, he or she is at risk of developing obesity. He or she may gorge on food to overcome the stress and the accompanying boredom.