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The Three Leading Causes of Childhood Obesity

What are the causes of childhood obesity? There are a number of factors that have contributed to the rise in childhood obesity. Leading the list of causes is unhealthy eating habits and poor food choices.

The times have changed over the years, and so has the way we prepare food and the frequency has varied from the way our ancestors chose to live. Back then they cooked everything from scratch and now fast food restaurants and quick fix meals dominate our diets. The way children eat is the main cause of childhood obesity.

Small changes in their diets can have large results enabling you to prevent obesity from affecting your child. Healthy choices include fruits and vegetables instead of sugary snacks. Popular choices include carrot and celery sticks, apples, bananas and even salads that include a wide variety of vegetables. Helping children choose better foods when they are young will ensure that they make the same choices as they continue to grow.

Lack of Exercise is One of the Leading Causes of Childhood Obesity

More and more children are developing childhood obesity, and the lack of regular exercise is a factor that has contributed to this being one of the causes of childhood obesity. Television and video games are regular activities that help children avoid exercise. In the 20th century, children played sports more often, walked to school, and enjoyed outside activities as forms of entertainment.

The children of the 21st century make choices that are completely opposite. The sports our children our playing these days, include turning on the television and playing any game you choose while exercising only the muscles in their hands. When you combine the lack of exercising and the poor choices in food there is a high chance that childhood obesity will end up causing a problem for children.

Genetics

Genetics and DNA is another cause of childhood obesity. If your parents had a problem with weight, chances are you will deal with the same issues. This makes it extremely important that you keep an eye on your children and their habits. DNA can not be changed, but small changes in other areas can make a great deal of difference in your child and their chances of dealing with childhood obesity.

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise. It cannot be emphasized enough! Have your child walk to school, run and play more often, or become involved in sports rather than letting him or her stay inside and veg out watching TV or using the computer. Children are meant to be outdoors! Only in the last five years have they become indoor zombies. So, even if they have the wrong genetics, if they have the right discipline, this can go a long ways to overcoming their DNA.