What causes child overweight?
Most simply stated, children are overweight when they eat more calories than they burn through physical activity (in play and exercise). This is easy to explain, but hard to change because there are so many factors involved. Foods like fruits and vegetables may be more expensive or unavailable in certain communities. Safe spaces for children to play outside the home may be hard to find due to traffic or crime. Some communities have few affordable healthy lifestyle programs for families and children. As we recognize these and other factors, we can begin to address them and make it easier for families to help children achieve better calorie balance …and so more normal growth and weight. What can we do about it? Teaching children and families about healthy eating and physical activity is necessary but not enough. We also need to make changes in schools and daycare settings – places where children spend a lot of time – to promote healthy food and plenty of activity. Communities need to mak
