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

What will be an ideal response?


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

Nutritional Science

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