Childhood obesity has become an epidemic in the United States, and unfortunately, many children are becoming obese before their parents are even aware of it. A national survey found that almost 40% of adults had no idea their child was overweight or obese. So the kids aren't getting the attention they need from their parents.

What is Childhood Obesity?

Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic in America. The CDC reports that childhood obesity has more than doubled in the last thirty years, affecting 17% of all children and adolescents in the United States today.

Childhood obesity can lead to serious health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and depression. Many factors contribute to childhood obesity, including lack of sleep, physical inactivity, and unhealthy eating habits.

1) Lack of activity

Lack of activity: Children can spend up to nine hours in front of a screen daily. Lack of activity contributes significantly to childhood obesity and should be limited as much as possible. 

Fast food: Fast food is often high in fat, sugar, and calories and lacks nutritional value. Fast food consumption should be limited. 

Food insecurity: Food insecurity is closely associated with obesity among children; lack of access to nutritious foods leads children away from healthier choices like fruits and vegetables and towards unhealthy options like fast foods. 

Too much screen time: Time spent in front of the TV or on the computer, watching too much TV or being on the computer for an extended period can lead kids to eat more often because they are not engaging in physical activity.

2) Lack of sleep

The CDC has found that nearly one-third of all American children don't get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can lead to several health problems, including obesity.

3) Bad eating habits

1) The amount of sugar in food has increased. 

2) More children are eating fast food, which is higher in calories and fat than homemade meals.

3) The rise of TV watching is leading to more sedentary behavior. 

4) Kids are not getting enough physical activity during the day because they are more likely to be driven or bused places than walk, bike, or ride a scooter. 

5) Teenage girls go through puberty earlier and start developing breasts sooner, so they may be less inclined to participate in sports and activities to help maintain a healthy weight. 

6) Parental involvement has declined as parents have less time for their kids because of their work schedules and other family obligations.

4) Peer pressure

Peer pressure is one of the leading factors that contribute to childhood obesity. Children are more likely to get into unhealthy habits with their friends. This could be something as simple as going outside and playing with others or a more dangerous habit like smoking.

Peer pressure can lead children into a lifestyle of unhealthy eating habits and exercise habits that, in turn, lead them towards childhood obesity.

5) School lunches

Packing a healthy lunch for your child isn't always easy. But by providing them with some guidelines and suggestions, you can help ensure that they are eating nutritious and delicious foods. The following are seven factors that lead to childhood obesity.

If schools were required to have 30 minutes of physical activity per day, this might not be as big an issue among students, and their weight could stay balanced throughout the day.

6) Stress at home and school

Many factors contribute to childhood obesity, but stress is one of the most overlooked. The lives of today's kids are filled with stressors that weren't as prevalent in previous generations. In addition to the stresses of school, many kids also experience parental or caretaker stresses at home. This can lead them to engage in unhealthy coping mechanisms like eating for comfort.

7) Family medical history

In some cases, obesity is hereditary. A family history of obesity can increase a person's risk of becoming obese. If one or more parents have been obese, there is an increased chance that their children will also become obese. In these cases, children are not eating themselves into obesity; they simply inherit a genetic predisposition.