What Could Be Causing Childhood Obesity?
There are actually a number of things that could be causing childhood obesity. Everyone has their opinion as to why kids these days are larger than in the years past, but there is actually some research behind all of this. Below you will find some common causes of childhood obesity from the American Obesity Association: • 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. Non-changeable causes include: • Genetics – Greater risk of obesity
