Causes Of Obesity In Children

We often come across people who stuff their children with food and just because they look plump and cute they think being fat as a child is ok. But as a nation we struggle with our weight. The rise of the fast food industry as well as packaged and processed food, and the shift towards a more inactive desk bound lifestyle has resulted in a nationwide battle of the bulge. As adults we grapple with our diet and exercise habits in order that we avoid the various diseases associated with obesity. But when that obesity exists in a child, there is a higher liability to change lifestyle habits and avoid the likelihood of disease at such an early age. But in order to make changes, it is first necessary to understand the causes of obesity in children.

Childhood obesity is defined by a more than 25 percent body fat percentage in boys and a more than 32 percent body fat percentage in girls who are aged between 6 and 11 years. The causes of obesity in children are many and focus mainly on lifestyle and genetics. Obviously if there is a medical reason for unmanageable weight gain in a child for instance an issue with the thyroid, then those factors can be addressed medically. Often, with suitable medication, the weight can be controlled and brought back within healthy limits. Moreover, genetics can play an important role in the tendency for weight gain. If the child's parents and other family members struggle with obesity, chances are the child will also have similar inclination. But genetics only gives us a clue as to what we are up against; controlling weight is still a matter of lifestyle adjustment.

Some of the more common causes of obesity in children include poor diet which includes unhealthy options and portions that are too large and an inactive lifestyle that includes too little physical play or exercise. Initially all children would play in the fields or park for some time but with evolution of computers they have become desk bound. Unfortunately both of these lifestyle issues are a direct result of the modern society in which we live; children play computer games and watch television rather than play outside; and a society in which convenience foods have replaced natural foods.

Addressing these causes of obesity children needs focus on these lifestyle issues and make modifications while the child is still young enough to ingrain these new habits into their life. Limiting television and computer play and encouraging sports, exercise, and physical play is the first step. The other step is to curtail processed, high fat foods and instead focusing on whole, natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Additionally, soft drinks and high-sugar fruit juices should instantly be replaced with water or low-fat milk.

Clearly, these are not easy changes to make. If it was easy then adults would not have their own weight issues with which to contend. But if we are able to proactively face the causes of obesity in children while these children are still young then we can help them make the changes necessary to ensure them a long and healthy life.

• John Palsson
• 27/04/2009, 10:59 AM
• 0 Comments