There are many factors that contribute to causing child and adolescent obesity - some are modifiable and others are not.
Modifiable causes include:
- Physical Activity - Lack of regular exercise.
- Sedentary behavior - High frequency of television viewing, computer usage, and similar behavior that takes up time that can be used for physical activity.
- Socioeconomic Status - Low family incomes and non-working parents.
- Eating Habits - Over-consumption of high-calorie foods. Some eating patterns that have been associated with this behavior are eating when not hungry, eating while watching TV or doing homework.
- Environment - Some factors are over-exposure to advertising of foods that promote high-calorie foods and lack of recreational facilities.
Non-changeable causes include:
- Genetics - Greater risk of obesity has been found in children of obese and overweight parents.
