“Obesity is defined as being 30 percent heavier than the ideal weight”. Obesity results mainly because of poor eating habits and in taking unhealthy diet. It has been associated with various ailments including heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes. In addition, it is a problem in children, which is approaching epidemic proportions

A study revealed that obesity was prevalent among children who went to private schools.

Why are the children seemingly losing the battle against obesity?

Causes of Obesity-

Poor eating habits and a lack of exercise are the main causes of obesity in children. Six years old and older children seem particularly at risk. These school-age kids have pocket money to spend on snacks and drinks rather than eating healthy foods and spend more time doing sedentary activities such as watching TV or playing computer games.

Genetics also determine how much a child weighs. Research shows that one parent is obese; a child has a 40 percent risk of being obese. If both parents are obese, the risk doubles to 80 percent.
Hormonal problems also cause obesity but this occurs rarely. A small number of children suffer glandular disturbances that cause them to put on weight. Weight correction is possible only by first solving the hormone imbalance.

Another reason for obesity is family conflict or neglect. This is probably one of the toughest problems to tackle with the increasing number of single parent families and those where both parents work long hours, unable to find time to supervise their children. Children left at home may diet on some junk foods rather than make an effort to prepare something healthy. Children exposed to parental conflict may also turn to food to alleviate their unhappiness and their inability to control their family situation.

Therefore, it is advisable to find the exact cause of obesity in your children and then finding the method to overcome the problem.

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