Recent reports by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that currently over 17% of kids in the USA are overweight, and the number has tripled over the past 20 years. Childhood obesity is a serious issue with numerous consequences that continue over a lifespan.
There are numerous things that can lead to obesity. According to the American Obesity Association:
“There are many factors that contribute to causing child and adolescent obesity - some are modifiable and others are not.
Modifiable causes include:
- Physical Activity - Lack of regular exercise.
- Sedentary behavior - High frequency of television viewing, computer usage, and similar behavior that takes up time that can be used for physical activity.
- Socioeconomic Status - Low family incomes and non-working parents.
- Eating Habits - Over-consumption of high-calorie foods. Some eating patterns that have been associated with this behavior are eating when not hungry, eating while watching TV or doing homework.
- Environment - Some factors are over-exposure to advertising of foods that promote high-calorie foods and lack of recreational facilities.
- Genetics - Greater risk of obesity has been found in children of obese and overweight parents.â€
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