According to the Mayo Clinic, there are some hormonal and genetic causes of childhood and adolescent obesity. Genetic disease and hormonal disorders such as Prader-Willi syndrome and Cushing's syndrome can cause child and adolescent obesity. Most cases of obesity, however, are caused by children and adolescents eating too much while exercising too little.
Diet
Eating high-calorie foods such as vending machine snacks, fast foods and baked goods regularly can contribute to children and adolescents developing obesity. The tendency of young people to enjoy treats like candy, desserts and soft drinks too frequently can also cause obesity, as these are high in both sugar and calories.
Inactivity
Sedentary youth are more likely to become obese because they do not burn calories through physical activities. Watching television or playing video games excessively are examples of common inactive leisure activities that can easily lead children and adolescents to become obese.
Genetics
If your child comes from a family that has many overweight people, there is a chance he could be genetically predisposed to gain excess weight. This is especially true for children and adolescents who grow up in environments where high-calorie food is constantly available and physical activity is not encouraged.
Psychological Factors
Some children and adolescents overeat to cope with overwhelming problems or emotions such as boredom, sadness or stress. Youth who have parents with similar tendencies often learn to turn to food as well when searching for solutions to problems that arise in daily living.
Family Factors
Most children do not shop for family groceries. Parents are responsible for filling the kitchen with healthy foods and not bringing home unhealthy food choices. Houses that are stocked with sweet, salty and fattening foods can easily cause youth to develop obesity. It is important for parents to remember, however, that you can control how much access your children have to these foods, especially those present in your home.
Socioeconomic Factors
Children who are born into low-income families are at a higher risk of developing obesity. Poverty and obesity can go hand in hand since low-income parents might lack the resources and time necessary to make exercise and healthy eating patterns a family priority.
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