by Dylan Kingsberry

Created on: May 13, 2010

As fast food and other unhealthy eating options become more and more popular, the weight of the population is becoming more excessive. The demographic being highly effected by this shift to unhealthy eating patterns is children. Childhood obesity, a condition where excess body fat effects a child's health or well being, is becoming a prominent problem in society. There is a large range of factors that are the culprits for childhood obesity. Genetic, biological, behavioral and cultural factors appear to be the most common causes. Understanding the specific cause of a child's obesity is challenging as these factors combine, each to a different degree. One thing that is known for sure is that obesity occurs when a child eats more calories than the body can burn up. Foods and drinks that are packed full of calories are easily available to children and consequently lead the body to have a larger collection of fat.

While children are reaching for fatty food options, they are also participating less in physical activity. Physical inactivity is also a serious cause of childhood obesity. Physical activity is what helps maintain a high metabolism and so those children that aren't exercising are prone to gain weight, as the body is unable to burn fat effectively. Constant physical inactivity leaves unused energy in the body, which ends up being stored as fat. The popularity of watching TV, playing video games and the endless hours spent using the computer are all factors leading to children being more inactive and thus, leading to fat storage in the body.

Another common problem is found right at the family dinner table. The foods that children choose to eat are influenced by family meals. Many parents let their children decide for themselves what they'd like to eat, and since children are not yet educated on the importance of making healthy food choices, they choose foods that are high in fat and that lack the nutrients they need.

It is important to know the initial signs of obesity and be able to catch the problem in its beginning stages, as this will make it easier to control. Parents can encourage children to eat more fruits and vegetables while controlling the child's intake of high calorie snack and drink items. Keeping an eye on your child's diet is extremely important to avoid having them gain too much weight while they are young. Children are able to grow up healthier by ensuring that they have good nutrition and a balanced diet. It is crucial that children have

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