An unbalanced diet- lack of proper eating as well as overeating- can be damaging for our health. This article was written in the context of India, however, the principles can be applied to wider audience.
The main reasons that lead to childhood obesity:
- Unhealthy nutrition
Low costs for junk food, TV advertisements, and easy access have caused children to be more prone to fatty and processed foods.
- Working status of parents
Since parents are more occupied with work, they pay less attention to overseeing balanced nutrition for their children.
- Lack of physical activity
Increasingly digital age have and transportation advancement have limited the amount spent exercising
- Academics
Pressure to achieve academic excellence has decreased the time spent doing physical activities.
- Increased socio-economic status
Increased pocket money allows spending more for junk food and snacks
- Wrong parental approach
Parents might have adopted misconceptions of how to keep the kids healthy.
- Technology
More time is spent in front of the television, computers, and video games at the expense of sports and physical activity
- Covid-19 pandemic
Online classes have caused behavioral changes, sleep disorders, and increased weight.
People tend to eat what they want and as much as they want without counting calories.
Read the whole article to learn about other factors that can cause childhood obesity.