Child obesity is condition that affects children and adolescents, it occurs when a child is well above the normal weight for his or her age and height. The excess fats negatively affects the child health or wellbeing. It is being recognized as a health concern due to its rising prevalence and its many adverse health effects. It can be referred to as overweight rather than obese because the term is less stigmatizing.
CAUSES OF CHILD OBESITY
One of the main causes is lifestyle issues. Too little activity and too many calories from food and drinks are the main contributors to child obesity. Less children go outside and engage in active play as technologies, such as the television and video games, keep children indoors. Also rather than walking
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The greatest risk factor for child obesity is the obesity of both parents. This may be reflected by the family's environment and genetics. Other factors that can bring child obesity may be due to psychological factors and the child's body type.
Though not common, there are also genetic diseases and hormonal disorders that can make a child prone to obesity. Polymorphisms in various genes controlling appetite and metabolism predispose individuals to obesity when sufficient calories are present.
Social practices and policies also may either be beneficial or detrimental to children's physical health. These social factors may include the emphasis of schools on physical activity, prevalence of and access to parks, bike paths, and sidewalks and also the prices of healthy and unhealthy foods.
Advertising of unhealthy foods correlates with childhood obesity rates. In some nations advertising of unhealthy food is illegal or very limited on children’s television channels. This prevents advertising from leading children to demand for unhealthy foods.
Socioeconomic status may also determine obesity in children. Those from lower socioeconomic status engage in more healthy behaviors and hence are not prone to getting