Causes of Childhood Obesity

The causes of Childhood Obesity are varied. It may be related to genetics, hormones, diet, or physical inactivity. It’s important to see a doctor for a checkup at least once a year, so that the doctor can measure your child’s height and weight, as well as calculate your child’s BMI. This is an important first step in preventing childhood obesity. In addition to routine checkups, you should encourage your child to engage in physical activity.
Genetics
Recent studies have uncovered numerous genetic loci associated with childhood obesity. The newly discovered loci point to the existence of novel biomolecular pathways that may be implicated in the development of the condition. The well-established genetic associations with obesity are not sufficient to explain all the risk, which suggests that additional loci are likely to exist. Nevertheless, the number and size of the effect of each locus remain unknown. For now, the findings are promising and should lead to the identification of potential new drugs that will help treat childhood obesity.
Hormones
Children’s obesity is an epidemic, and it has become an international public health concern. Children who are overweight are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Lifestyle changes such as restricting food intake and eating smaller portions are often unsuccessful. Researchers have identified a new class of hormones that regulate energy homeostasis in the brain. These hormones originate from the gut and adipose tissue, which are also important for regulating food intake.
Diet
In today’s society, children are increasingly exposed to obesity issues and diet plays a significant role in fighting it. It is estimated that approximately one in every ten school-aged children is overweight or obese. In fact, studies show that up to 30 million children in the United States are overweight. Further, the prevalence of childhood obesity continues to rise in other regions, such as Sub-Saharan Africa. Hence, it is imperative to improve children’s diet to help them combat the epidemic.
Physical inactivity
The negative effects of physical inactivity during childhood are widely documented. The lack of physical activity during childhood is associated with difficulties in motor competence. The lack of physical activity in childhood can lead to a downward spiral of physical activity engagement. Therefore, physical activity should be promoted to reduce childhood obesity. Several ways are available to promote physical activity among children. These include promoting healthy eating and encouraging physical activity. In addition, physical activity can improve mental health.
Surgery
Obesity in children is a serious condition with little available treatment options. It has several underlying causes, including environmental and genetic factors, and can persist into adulthood, causing a variety of medical problems. In addition to health risks, obesity in children also decreases a child’s life expectancy. Children with obesity often experience discrimination, health problems, and social stigma. Surgery is often the only option to address these issues.