Current research indicates that the cause of childhood obesity is multifactorial. Briefly outline how genetics, environment, and nutritional intake might contribute to the development of obesity in children
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Biological (genetics and pathophysiology):
• 30%-75% of adiposity in children is related to genetics
• In children < 3 years of age, the strongest predictor of adulthood obesity is parental obesity
• Both prenatal undernutrition and overnutrition appear to increase lifelong risk for obesity
• Genetic/hormonal: Some of the most common are:
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- Cushing's syndrome
- Hypo-/hyperthyroidism
Environmental (sedentary behaviors, SES, modernization, culture, dietary intake):
• Video and computer games and cable and satellite television have made sedentary activities more appealing
• 98% of children in the U.S. live in homes with at least one television
• 80% of children live in homes with at least one DVD player
• Half of the children who live in the U.S. have at least one video game system in their homes
• On average, children spend 3 hours per day watching television
• African American and Hispanic children participate in fewer vigorous activities and/or more sedentary activities than Whites
• Girls are less physically active than boys
• Dietary factors
• Low intake of vegetables and fruits
• High intake of fast foods and sweets
• Increased consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks
• Skipping breakfast
• Increased consumption of refined carbohydrates (ready-to-eat cereals, potatoes, cakes, biscuits, soft drinks)
• Increased parental work hours influence (leads to higher consumption of energy-dense foods)
• Consumption of all 3 meals leads to 63% lower risk of being overweight/obese
Mother smoking during pregnancy; increased risk of being overweight
Extensive food marketing towards children (via video games, internet, TV, cell phones, etc.)
Global (society, community, organization, interpersonal, individual):
• Community design focused on cars has discouraged walking and bike riding
• Increased concerns about safety limit times and areas in which children play outside
• Time in physical education classes in schools has decreased
• Limited number of parks and recreation areas in communities
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