Obesity is a serious health concern for our society and especially for children. It can cause future health problems associated with cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes. Obesity is the result of an imbalance between consumed calories and the calories expended by a child that are used to support normal growth development, metabolism and physical activity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Several risk factors can increase a child's chances of becoming obese.
Genetic Characteristics
According to Colorado State University (CSU), genetics is a risk factor and can increase a child's chances of developing extra body weight. CSU says being overweight runs in families, which suggests a genetic link. In some cases, parental obesity is a strong predictor of a child becoming overweight. However, the CDC says that if there is a genetic susceptibility to obesity in a family, other environmental and behavioral factors may also be present.
Behaviors
Certain behaviors or lack of behaviors may be risk factors that contribute to obesity in children. The amount of calories ingested and types of foods eaten--such as high-sugar and high-fat foods--is a behavioral risk factor in childhood obesity, according to the CDC. Children who don't get enough physical activity, spending large amounts of time watching television, playing video games and watching movies are behaviors that contribute.
Environment
The environment that a child grows up in can become a risk factor. At home, parents serve as role models and are more likely to develop similar habits as their parents, according to the CDC. If parents make poor food choices and don't promote physical activity, their children are more likely to model those behaviors. Child care, school settings and the community in which a child lives can influence a child's eating habits and views or behaviors about physical activity. CSU says that well-lit sidewalks, bike paths and parks in communities can create a healthy environment for children, promoting physical activity.
Socio-Demographic
According to CSU, some ethnic minority and socioeconomic populations are at increased risk of childhood obesity. For instance, low-income families may have a difficult time finding safe places for physical activity and may lack access to healthy food choices, especially fruits and vegetables. CSU says that roughly 21 percent of Mexican Americans and African-American non-Hispanic children are overweight, compared with almost 15 percent for non-Hispanics.
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