Speakers - 2026

Title: Contributing Factors in Childhood Obesity

Abstract

Childhood obesity (CO) is a serious health condition in all regions of the globe. There are several reasons for obesity during childhood of both boy and girls.  What is of concern is that the extra weight results in other health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, poor self-esteem, and depression during later stages of life. Timely intervention in CO is key because of the fact that delayed action increases risk of immediate health complications and long-term chronic diseases. Prime objective of this research is to provide an insight into contributing factors in CO. Secondary data (‘qualitative’ in nature) have been used. They were collected books, book chapters, journal articles, etc. Method of data analysis is ‘descriptive’.

Findings in this work indicate that CO is a global health crisis that puts young people at risk for lifelong medical complications. It is complex and chronic (long-term) condition that happens when children are above a healthy weight for their age, height and sex. In medical terms, CO is having a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for age and sex in children aged 2 years and above.

In terms of contributing factors, CO is primarily caused by an energy imbalance, a situation wherein children consume more calories through food and sugary drinks than they burn through physical activity. Description on risk factors are CO is presented below:

• Genetic Factors: Obesity in children is significantly affected by the genetic factor, which children inherit from their parents.
• Poor Dietary Habits: Poor dietary habits are one of the significant contributors to CO. Children who consume high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and beverages (such as fast food, sugary drinks, candy, and other processed foods) are at a higher risk of becoming overweight.
• Overconsumption: Overconsumption of high-calorie & low-nutrient foods is another reason for obesity.
• Inadequate Breast-Feeding: Inadequate breast-feeding may result in CO. Breast-feeding promotes healthy metabolic development.
• Changes in family practices: Non-participation in outdoor activities, improper eating habits, fulfilling wishes of kids (such as buying more chocolates, cakes, soft drinks, packed foods, and junk foods), and parents packing fatty and nutrient-less food for their kids in school tiffin boxes are also reasons of CO.
• Fast-Food Joints: Cropping up of fast-food joints & restaurants adversely affects the health of children.
• Inadequate Parks: Minimizing public and jogging parks discourage children from engaging in outdoor activities.
• Overdependence of Digital Devices: Addiction to smartphone among adolescent boys and girls result in late-night eating, getting up late, lack of exercise, and a dull mentality. Such unhealthy practices are not only responsible for obesity, but also pave the way for several other health complications (such as sleep deprivation, increased anxiety, reduced face-to-face interaction and resulting social isolation, diabetes) during later stages of life.

This research briefly concludes that CO (a condition in which “a child gains excess weight that is more than the ideal weight according to his or her height”) is a global concern. Effectively managing CO requires family-centered lifestyle changes.