6 major culprits behind childhood obesity

Childhood obesity has been on the rise for quite a while and it has only been accentuated with the pandemic restrictions on movement. There has been an alarming increase in the number of children who have gone from being normal to overweight, observe paediatricians from all over the world. Numerous health risks are attached to childhood obesity, like high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol, both of which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease at a later stage. Obese children are also at a much greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, breathing problems like asthma, fatty liver disease, joint problems, and obstructive sleep apnoea. But the question is, what are the culprits behind obesity? There is no singular cause this condition. Instead, it is a combination of factors that are still being studied by researchers. 

Sedentary lifestyle 
Moving less and sitting more inevitably leads to an imbalance in energy input and output. When the amount of calories consumed surpasses the number of calories burnt, it leads to weight gain. Children who spend long hours sitting in front of the television, trading it in for physically active play tend to be more susceptible to obesity. 

Unhealthy eating patterns 
The physical inactivity leads children to occupy themselves with eating snacks at random times of the day especially in between meals and late at night. Overeating makes them gain weight quickly 

Lack of exercise 
Disinterest in sports and physically demanding activities can have a negative impact on the body’s inability to regulate energy. As children spend more and more time lying around the house, their muscles weaken and their metabolism worsens. That is why the body ends up storing all the energy in the form of fat. 

Junk food 
There is no doubt that kids have a natural propensity to gorge on unhealthy foods. More often than not, they prefer fried oily fatty foods as opposed to well-balanced over nutritious options. These foods play a big role in increasing blood cholesterol levels in children. 

Genetic factors 
Research says that genetic predisposition can increase the risk of childhood obesity. Children with obese or overweight parents and relatives are more likely to gain unhealthy weight. However, healthy eating and lifestyle habits can reduce the risk.  

Psychological issues 
Kids and teens who experience boredom, stress, anxiety or depression use binge eating as a coping mechanism for these negative emotions. When these habits are left unchecked, it can lead to rapid weight gain.