Childhood obesity is on the rise.
What was once thought to affect mostly adults has been seen as a growing problem in children over the past several years.
Reasons for childhood obesity are many and this article may not cover all of them.
Some of the more common reasons why kids are obese are covered here.
1.
Lack of Exercise or Physical Activity: more and more children these days are not getting enough exercise or physical activity.
With the popularity of computers and home based video gaming systems children have less and less reason or motivation to run around outside.
Video games have become so realistic and lifelike that children simply become enthralled in them.
It becomes difficult to convince them that running around and playing outside can be just as fun as defeating the latest video game sensation.
2.
Convenience Foods: there is greater availability of processed foods and snacks now than there ever has been.
It has become very easy for a child to reach for a bag of chips or packaged sweets while playing their video games.
Children will not always make the healthiest food choices and lets face it, junk food is much more appealing to a kid than something healthy.
3.
Fast Foods: with parent's busy lifestyles the convenience of fast foods has become more prevalent and appealing.
It has become difficult for working parents to plan out healthy meals several times a week.
It is sometimes simply easier to order out or stop off and a fast food place to pick up dinner on the way home from work.
4.
Environment: kids learn by example.
If they see their parents/guardians eating and snacking on junk food they will likely do the same.
Changing your eating habits can help influence the habits of your children.
This is not meant to be an all inclusive list as to the reasons for childhood obesity but it suggests some of the more common reasons.