Childhood Obesity : Causes Of Childhood Obesity
The simple answer for childhood obesity is for each child when the children who bring a lot more calories than they burned, they gain weight, that is to be overweight and obese. However, children who are affected by social factors, such as that of adults, but have less discretionary power to evaluate and decide to give the value of nutrition and lifestyle choices, even in circumstances where they realize that there is a choice. In addition, children are very influenced by what is seen and taught by the elders, caregivers, siblings, and parents.
Although it will be great if the community make an issue of childhood obesity has a significant tendency to turn around, usually the parents who will have the most influence for good or worse on this issue.
Some of the factors that contribute to childhood obesity are:
1. Genetics: It has to be conceded that no matter what action parents, society, or the children themselves take, the genetic hand that the child was dealt will have a great impact on the outcome of any choices whether good or bad. However, the good news is that many negative genetic factors can be overcome to at least some extent by wise choices, which we will discuss in a few minutes.
2. Calorie Intake: As with adults, the more calories ingested, the more likely the path to obesity…particularly in the area of such empty calories as sodas and candy sweetened with sugar or corn syrup, for example. Other questionable choices are high fat snacks chosen in place of lower fat, more nutritionally dense snacks.
3. Calories Burned: Children used to burn calories by playing outside with other children, riding bicycles, and doing chores, just to name a few options. Today’s kids often spend hours in front of a computer (like this big kid), only moving to go to the bathroom, get a snack, or to go sit in front of the TV for a few more hours.
4. Parental Influences: This can take many negative forms, not the least of which is the sedentary behavior exhibited by many parents. This trend can be seen in the rising numbers of overweight and obese adults. One of the most lasting and influential impacts on a child will be the examples set by the parents.
In parents’ defense, let it be acknowledged that in today’s family, it is often necessary for both parents to work outside the home. This, combined with the prevalence of fast food, perceived lack of time, stress, and a common lack of knowledge, and/or misconceptions about subjects such as exercise and healthy eating habits makes it easy for parents to provide a completely wrong example for their children, contributing to the childhood obesity problems while believing that they are doing everything they can to provide healthy meals and a good home.
Posted at April 18, 2009, Filed Under
