Childhood obesity is a complex issue that can have various causes. Some of the main causes of childhood obesity are:

• Lifestyle issues: Too little activity and too many calories from food and drinks are the main contributors to childhood obesity. Children who consume high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and drinks and who are not physically active are at risk of becoming overweight or obese.

• Genetics and hormonal factors: While genetic changes in human populations occur too slowly to be responsible for the obesity epidemic, variants in several genes may contribute to obesity by increasing hunger and food intake. Rarely, a specific variant of a single gene (monogenic obesity) causes a clear pattern of inherited obesity within a family. Hormone disorders are another risk factor for childhood obesity.

• Environmental factors: Places such as childcare centers, schools, or communities affect eating patterns and activity through the foods and drinks they offer and the physical activity opportunities they provide. Other community factors that influence obesity include the affordability of healthy food options, peer and social supports, marketing and promotion, and policies that determine community design. Advertising for fast food chains and unhealthy snack foods can also contribute to childhood obesity.

• Family factors: Childhood obesity can be influenced by the behavior children pick up from their parents and caregivers. Personal, parental, and family stress can increase a childs risk of obesity. Some children overeat to cope with problems or to deal with emotions, such as stress, or to fight boredom. Their parents might have similar tendencies.

Childhood obesity can lead to various conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. It can also lead to poor self-esteem and depression. One of the best strategies to reduce childhood obesity is to improve the eating and exercise habits of the entire family. Treating and preventing childhood obesity helps protect a childs health now and in the future.