Reasons For Child Obesity and Overweight


Obesity is a disease which is very common not only among adults but is now also getting common among children. A recent survey carried by National Health and Nutrition indicates that 17% of children having age 6 years are obese and overweight and the main reason for child obesity is inactivity and over eating specially junk food. Obesity is known as a reason to a lot of other very major and known diseases for example diabetes type 2, blood pressure and other heart problems. Once a child is caught in any of those serious health problem than it is very difficult to overcome the obesity problem. There are a number of factors that contribute to obesity.

One of the most important reasons for obesity and being over weight in children and kids is lack of exercise. Now a day majority of the children prefer indoor activities and staying at home and therefore get very little exercise or chances to burn their calories. Adding to this is the advancement in technology, The introduction of laptops, mobiles and several other gadgets has reduced the physically activity of the children. They prefer sitting the whole day and surfing the internet or playing games online. Consequently children do not burn their calories and become obese. However there are only a very number of children who are very conscious about their fitness and weight. Hence they exercise and maintain their weight.

Excessive eating is another reason for obesity in children. Some children eventually develop the habit of eating. They just get addicted to eating and are most of the time eating. They consume more calories than required and end up being fat. This can be avoided if the child consumes food which calorie is free and mostly made up of fibre. A child would not have to work hard to get rid of their habit.

It is important that the children are made aware of the good foods which are also physically active as it may motivate children to do physical activities. They should be able to distinguish between the good healthy foods and the unhealthy ones. They should avoid choosing high fat and sugary foods and consume fruits and low calorie foods. This way they would not only be fit but they will also have good hair and skin. They should be made aware through their parents.

Another reason for which a child would have to strive a lot is the obesity due to genetic reasons. In this the child naturally has a slow metabolic rate and hence become obese and over weight. This can be dealth by adopting healthy habits so that the child is able to maintain physical and mental fitness. Similarly regular exercise, healthy meals and avoiding fast foods might control the situation.

Now a day people are very much inclined towards fast food. Especially children love to eat fast food. Burgers, French fries and pizzas are their most favorite. The fast food is very oily and high in calories but low in nutrition. Fast food also contains a handful amount of bad fats which are harmful for the child body and health. Occasional consumption of Fast food is not harmful however too much fast food in diet can lead to obesity.


Obesity can be avoided in adults and children by a good healthy diet with low calorie food and regular exercise. The parents should work hard in making their children active. This would help the child to be physically and mentally fit and regulate blood circulation. Due to obesity children face a lot of social problems. They are bullied in school are other students taunt them about their obese structure. In this way they get mentally disturbed.