Causes for Childhood Obesity.

There is no one single cause of childhood obesity. Number of factors work in tandem to cause childhood obesity. Bad eating habits and lack of physical activity are the most common reasons for childhood obesity. There are other far less common reasons such as genetic causes and hormonal reasons for obesity in children and all these are detailed below. Reading childhood obesity and childhood obesity statistics will give you an overview as a parent. 

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Other related posts on childhood obesity.

1) Childhood Obesity-Overview.2) Childhood obesity statistics. 3) Childhood obesity causes. 3) Childhood obesity effects. 4) Treatment of childhood obesity. 5) Preventing childhood obesity.

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Cause of Childhood Obesity.

The leading cause of childhood obesity is increased intake of calories with decreased utilization of calories. This simply translates to increased intake of high calorie foods and decreased physical activity.

Reasons for Childhood Obesity.

1) Bad Eating Habits.

Bad foods are the leading causes of childhood obesity. The type of calorie rich foods and drinks that the children are exposed to in school and outside nowadays are different than those in previous times. There is greater variety, more decked up appearance of the foods and drinks, which appeals to the eye and a host of inviting advertisements and banners at the eating places. Secondly the portion size of the servings is large making it that much easier to gulp in more calories.

This is enough to lure the young child to go for it – more often. The density of food and snack vending outlets is high and availability is therefore easy.

The fast food industry (like McDonald’s) spends millions of dollars on promotion with high success rate resulting in consumption of calorie dense foods at regular intervals by children.

Foods Causing Childhood Obesity.

1. One of the important  causes of obesity in children is eating fast food or processed foods which are high in fats, especially transfats.
2. A diet high in carbohydrates especially simple carbohydrates (bad carbs) causes weight gain.
   • Simple carbohydrates are found in sugars, fructose, soft drinks, beer, wine, etc. These are rapidly absorbed into the blood and cause spike in blood sugar levels. The excess blood sugar is converted into fat and stored as such.
   • Complex carbohydrates, the good carbs, on the other hand, are gradually absorbed and the sugar from these foods are absorbed slowly and used as energy. Complex carbohydrates are found in bananas, beans, chickpeas, lentils, nuts, oats, sweet corn, whole grain cereals and yams.
3. Not eating high fiber foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
4. An obsession for eating to pass time and eating even when full.

Next Page.

Related posts:

1. Childhood Obesity Statistics.
2. Childhood Obesity.
3. Dangerous Effects of Childhood Obesity.
4. Preventing Childhood Obesity.
5. Treatment of Childhood Obesity.
6. Obesity in America.
7. Obesity Causes|Genetic Causes.
8. Obesity Statistics.