Childhood Obesity Causes
Obesity is a huge health concern that is affecting millions worldwide. What’s worse? The number is only increasing. It happens when fat gets accumulated in the body. So much so that it leads to the development of chronic diseases. Let’s understand what the causes of obesity and what its adverse effects are.
Genetic Obesity Causes Diseases
Genetics can have a big influence on the development of obesity. Many studies have shown that children with obese parents are more likely to get hit by obesity. Genetic factors control things like our appetite, metabolism, and fat storage, and how the body stores and processes fat further adds to the risk.
The leptin gene in our body is in charge of controlling hunger and burning calories. Any changes to it can lead to excessive food intake and weight gain. In the same way, any changes in lipid-related genes will affect metabolism. They increase the body’s tendency to store fat, so you gain those extra pounds.
The genes can start acting up as early as infancy and go on to adolescence and then adulthood if not addressed on time. It brings with it underconfidence, makes you subject to body-shaming, and starts depleting the quality of life even when one should be just a kid enjoying life.
Environmental Causes of Obesity
The other factor causing obesity is the environment in which we live. Consuming high-calorie foods, no physical activities, desk jobs, and urbanization have their equal share of weight gain situations.
Then comes the socioeconomic status of a person. An individual with a lower income can’t have much access to health care. They only have affordable and calorie-dense foods, but so are those earning relatively well. People with high spending capacities are also seen binge-ing on junk and fast food during casual meet-ups and quick takeaways.
Delivery and convenience apps have made people lazy. The perils of the urban lifestyle involve getting disconnected from physical activities. You will hardly find kids and adults in parks now. All these environmental causes of obesity only promote unhealthy behaviors and poor choices and contribute to the obesity epidemic.
Behavioral Factors
We tend to put on that unnecessary fat when we don’t watch our habits. Unhealthy eating habits like high-fat and sugary foods can ruin your health. But it’s not always a personal choice but rather influenced by cultural norms, tempting advertising, and the kind of food available.
Psychological factors stress, depression, and emotional eating also disturb eating patterns and increase inactive behaviors. Stress releases cortisol, a hormone that makes you crave high-calorie foods, and when eating becomes a coping mechanism, it becomes very harmful.
It’s important to realize if there are any behavioral changes in you or someone you know, so the affected person can know that it’s time to stop and control the risk of obesity-related issues.
As discussed, genetics can lead to childhood obesity, as can socioeconomic factors. But only these are not the only ones to be blamed. The diet is the first of many other factors that contribute to childhood obesity. How can kids eating low-nutrient and high-sugar foods have good health? Only bad things are marketed so heavily.
Another problem is that children are too glued to screens now and are not as into physical activities and playing as they should be. Watching TV, using mobile phones, and playing video games instead of outdoor games increases the risk of obesity.
It’s very important to address childhood obesity. Encourage them to move, dance, and play. Creating environments that support these behaviors.
Health Consequences of Obesity
If not taken care of on time, obesity causes health problems that are very serious and impact an individual’s quality of life.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Obesity develops insulin resistance, causing high blood sugar levels.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Obesity causes diseases related to the heart, like heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure.
- Cancer: It can also cause an increased risk of this deadly disease.
- Musculoskeletal Disorders: Excess weight is bad for your joints and can cause osteoarthritis and back pain.
- Mental health: Besides physical, it’s also not good for your mental well-being as it can cause depression.
- Healthcare Costs: Treating obesity involves huge costs and brings an additional burden of expenses.
Control and Maintain
Don’t misunderstand obesity as being overweight. It’s a very serious problem that can put you on medications and completely ruin the joy of life. Being mocked is one thing, but not being able to live a normal life is shattering. We have had such a beautiful life. Let’s not let it get ruined by obesity. Fight obesity causes and consequences early. Exercise, eat healthfully, keep an eye out for harmful weight gain, and live life to the fullest!
