Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that …show more content…
Foods and beverages like these are high in sugar and calories. These foods are often served in cafeterias and are considered competitive foods as they “compete” with healthy options available to students.
Inactive kids are more likely to gain weight because they do not burn calories through physical activity. Inactive leisure activities, such as watching television or playing video games, contribute to the problem.
If a child comes from a family of overweight people, he or she may be genetically predisposed to gaining weight, especially in an environment where high calorie food is always available and physical activity is not encouraged.
Some children may overeat as a way of dealing with problems or emotions, such as stress or boredom. Their parents may have similar tendencies.
Kids cannot be blamed for liking sweet, salty and fatty foods because they do taste good. Since most children do not shop for the family’s groceries and the parents do, they can control their children’s access to these foods by putting healthy foods in the kitchen at home and leaving unhealthy foods in the store.
Children from low income backgrounds are at greater risk of becoming obese. Poverty and obesity often go hand in hand because low income parents may not have the time and resources to make healthy eating and exercise a family priority.
Obesity affects both body and mind. Extra weight puts stress on the body,