Childhood obesity is a complex condition with a variety of contributing factors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that about one in five American children has obesity. The Government of Canada says obesity rates among children and youth in Canada have nearly tripled in the last 30 years, with one in seven Canadian children now meeting the criteria for obesity.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, childhood obesity occurs when a child exceeds the healthy weight for their age, height, and sex. The medical definition describes childhood obesity as having a body mass index at or above the 95th percentile for age and sex in children aged two years and older. Children between the ages of 12 and 19 have the highest percentage of childhood obesity.

Individuals may wonder what factors are contributing to these statistics. Childhood obesity has many causes, and the following are some things caregivers should be aware of so that their children’s weight does not put their health at risk.

Genes:

Childhood obesity is heavily influenced by a child’s inherited genes from their parents. Nirvana Healthcare states that one study found that 80 percent of kids were obese if both parents were overweight. Children with obese siblings are also more likely to develop obesity themselves. The Cleveland Clinic reports that studies show various genes may contribute to weight gain.

Poor diet:

The foods children consume contribute to weight gain and childhood obesity development. Eating high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and drinks increases the risk of becoming overweight or obese.

Lack of physical activity:

The CDC states that children who are physically active have stronger muscles and bones, better cardiovascular health, and lower body fat than those who are inactive. Kids ages three to five should stay physically active all day. Kids between the ages of six and 17 need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

Insufficient sleep:

Lack of sleep may contribute to childhood obesity. The CDC states that kids who don’t get enough sleep are at risk for unhealthy weight gain, although researchers are still working to understand how sleep relates to weight gain.

Behavioral factors and lifestyle:

Snacking and eating out more often than cooking at home may raise the risk of obesity. Increased screen time and sedentary habits also affect the likelihood of childhood obesity developing, says the Cleveland Clinic.

Social determinants of health (SDoHs):

SDoHs are factors in the environments where people live, work, play, and learn that can influence health. Some examples of SDoHs include proximity to fast food restaurants, whether parks or recreational facilities are nearby, transportation options, availability of healthy food choices, foods served in daycare centers, and more.

Obesity continues to affect many children, putting their health at risk now and in the future. Understanding contributors to this illness can enable families to make positive changes.