Causes of childhood obesity

An unhealthy diet combined with a lack of exercise is the main causes of childhood obesity. High-calorie foods such as chocolates, sweets and fast food are cheap and readily available to children.

Alongside this, physical activity and exercise are no longer a part of most children's days - some children never walk or cycle to school or play sport. Instead, many of them spend hours in front of a television or computer.

If there is a family history of being overweight or obese, your child may be more likely to be obese. Genetic factors could play a role in this, but shared eating and activity habits, or a combination of both, are more likely to cause your child to be overweight.

Although certain medical disorders can cause obesity, less than 1 percent of all obesity is caused by physical problems.  Obesity in childhood and adolescence can be related to:

• poor eating habits

• overeating or binging

• lack of exercise (i.e., couch potato kids)

• family history of obesity

• medical illnesses (endocrine, neurological problems)

• medications (steroids, some psychiatric medications)

• stressful life events or changes (separations, divorce, moves, deaths, abuse)

• family and peer problems

• low self-esteem

• depression or other emotional problems