10 Science-Validated Reasons For Childhood Obesity: Studies, Potential Diseases & More

Childhood obesity has emerged as a significant public health concern worldwide; this phenomenon is not merely a matter of physical appearance but poses grave risks to children's health and well-being.  

A meta-analysis of 21 studies conducted in India between 2003 and 2023, involving 1,86,901 children, identified crucial findings on childhood obesity. After screening 2147 data sets, the combined prevalence of childhood obesity and overweight was calculated to be 8.4% and 12.4%, respectively. 

Clever marketing tactics often promote sugary snacks, fast food, and sugary drinks, enticing children with colourful packaging. The pervasive influence of advertising and marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages targeted at children cannot be overlooked. Catchy jingles and beloved cartoon characters make it challenging for parents to foster healthy eating habits.  

Its prevalence has steadily been rising over the past few decades. This blog delves into the multifaceted causes or reasons for childhood obesity, exploring environmental and individual factors contributing to this alarming trend.   

Table Of Contents 

1. What Is The Cause Of Childhood Obesity?  

2. What Are The 10 Causes Of Obesity? 

3. Scientific Studies On Reasons For Childhood Obesity 

4. Effects Of Childhood Obesity  

5. Foods That Cause Childhood Weight Gain 

6. Dietitian’s Recommendation  

7. The Final Say 

8. FAQs  

9. References   

What Is The Cause Of Childhood Obesity?  

It is commonly believed that obesity can be caused by an imbalance between the amount of energy you consume and the amount of energy you burn, with an increase in positive energy balance being closely linked to your lifestyle choices and dietary preferences.  

There is also growing evidence that an individual's genetic makeup plays a significant role in determining their risk of obesity. Studies have shown that BMI is 25-40% hereditary. However, genetics alone accounts for less than 5% of childhood obesity cases. Factors such as age and gender also influence this risk. Therefore, while genetics can contribute, it is not solely responsible for the significant rise in childhood obesity. 

Also Read: World Obesity Day 2024: Obesity & Health Problems 

What Are The 10 Causes Of Obesity?

Here are the 10 major causes of childhood obesity that you must know about: 

1. Sedentary Lifestyle 

With the advent of technology, children spend more time indoors engaged in activities such as playing video games, and one of the primary reasons for childhood obesity is the increasingly sedentary lifestyle prevalent among children today, like browsing the internet or watching television, leading to a decrease in physical activity levels.  

2. Poor Dietary Habits 

Fast food, sugary beverages, and processed snacks have replaced wholesome, nutritious meals, as unhealthy dietary habits play a pivotal role in the development of childhood obesity. Consuming calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods high in sugar, fat, and salt has become all too common, contributing to excessive calorie intake and weight gain. This is one of the significant reasons for childhood obesity. 

Also Read: Dietary Habits: Everything You Need To Know 

3. Lack Of Physical Education  

Due to budget constraints or a greater focus on academic achievement in many educational settings, physical education programs have been scaled back or eliminated. This reduction in structured physical activity contributes to a sedentary lifestyle within schools, depriving children of essential exercise opportunities.   

4. Environmental Factors 

Neighbourhoods needing more safe outdoor spaces or recreational facilities discourage physical activity. The environments in which children live, learn, and play can significantly influence their risk of obesity. Communities with limited access to affordable, healthy food options, known as food deserts, exacerbate poor dietary choices and obesity rates.   

5. Socioeconomic Status 

Reasons for childhood obesity include socioeconomic factors such as limited access to nutritious foods, increased levels of stress, and reduced practice of regular physical activity. And childhood obesity disproportionately affects children from low-income families, contributing to higher obesity rates among economically disadvantaged children.  

6. Parental Influence 

Parents shape their children's dietary habits and physical activity levels. Lack of parental awareness or prioritisation of healthy lifestyle choices can inadvertently contribute to childhood obesity. Family dynamics, including parental feeding practices, mealtime routines, and role modelling of healthy behaviours, significantly impact children's weight status.  

7. Medications 

Certain medications, such as antidepressants, corticosteroids, and antipsychotics, cause weight gain as a significant side effect. These medications may affect appetite regulation, metabolism, or energy expenditure.  

8. Sleep Deprivation 

Increasing appetite and cravings for high-calorie foods, inadequate sleep, or disrupted sleep patterns can disrupt hormonal balance. Sleep deprivation can also impair decision-making regarding portion control and food choices.    

9. Cultural And Social Factors 

Cultural celebrations, social gatherings, and peer influences may promote overeating or unhealthy eating patterns. Traditions, Cultural and social norms surrounding food consumption and body image can influence eating behaviours and attitudes toward weight.   

10. Genetics And Biology 

While lifestyle factors play a predominant role in the development of obesity, genetic and biological factors also play a significant role. Additionally, hormonal imbalances and metabolic disorders can contribute to excessive weight accumulation in some children. Children with a family history of obesity are at greater risk of inheriting genetic predispositions that make them more susceptible to weight gain.  

Also Read: 7 Tips To Keep Your Teen Fit 

Scientific Studies On Reasons For Childhood Obesity  

Here are some of the impactful studies related to childhood obesity, take a look into it: 

Indian Council Of Medical Research-India Diabetes (ICMR-IndiaD) Study 

This large-scale epidemiological study assessed the prevalence of obesity and diabetes across various states and union territories of India. It provided valuable insights into the rising burden of obesity among children and adolescents in India.  

Multi-Centric Pediatric Obesity Study (MPOS) 

This collaborative study involved multiple centres across India to assess the prevalence, significant risk factors, and comorbidities associated with pediatric obesity in the Indian population. MPOS's findings have contributed to understanding obesity-related health outcomes and developing preventive strategies tailored to Indian children and adolescents.    

Effects Of Childhood Obesity 

For a better understanding of the reasons for childhood obesity, below are the effects of childhood obesity: 

Foods That Cause Childhood Weight Gain  

After learning about several reasons for childhood obesity, here are the foods listed that may cause it. Take a look into it: 

Also Read: Dietary Habits: Everything You Need To Know  

Dietitian’s Recommendation 

Addressing childhood obesity involves fostering healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes. Collaborate with families to set achievable goals, provide support, and celebrate progress. Promote balanced meals, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep. Empower children to make healthy choices and build lifelong habits for optimal health and well-being.  

Advocate for mindful eating practices and family meals to cultivate positive relationships with food. Encourage families to prioritise whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit sugary snacks, processed foods, and sugary beverages.    

-Dt. Akshata Gandevikar 

The Final Say 

Now, you must have understood all the various reasons for childhood obesity. It is a complex issue with multifactorial causes encompassing lifestyle, environmental, socioeconomic, genetic, and psychological factors. Addressing this epidemic requires a multi-sectoral approach involving individuals, families, communities, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the food industry.   

We can work towards preventing and reversing the alarming rise in childhood obesity, ensuring a healthier future for generations. We can achieve this by encouraging wholesome lifestyle choices, expanding availability to nutrient-dense foods, and developing surroundings that facilitate physical activity. 

FAQs 

1. How are childhood and obesity linked to each other? 

Childhood and obesity are linked since unhealthy or inactive lifestyle choices have a significant negative impact on children's physical health, social and emotional well-being, and self-esteem. Obesity is often associated with poor academic performance, low quality of life, and childhood weight gain. 

2. What are the causes of pediatric obesity? 

Causes of pediatric obesity in children is caused due to unhealthy food choices, lack of regular physical activity and family eating habits.