As many of my regular viewers to this web blog know, there are many factors contributing to childhood obesity. I post daily here about it, whether news print articles, opinions, feedback, or just personal opinion.

Recently, I wrote an article for Yahoo! (click here) about childhood obesity. I started searching for sources for this article, and received over 100 responses to the question, “What do you think caused the rise in childhood obesity?” Responses came from professional and Olympic athletes, fitness experts, health experts, nutritionist, and parents.

I was unable to use everyone’s feedback, but thought it would be great to post some of their responses on my blog in a new web series, “What Causes Childhood Obesity.” I hope that you enjoy the opinions here from various individuals. Please remember, my including their posts does not necessarily mean I agree or endorse their opinion, rather, a place to share other people’s thoughts.

The real underlying cause of childhood obesity epidemic started nearly 40 years with the rapid introduction of vegetable oils rich in omega-6 fatty acids in the American diet. Post-fetal programming is still taking place in the young child. The foods parents feed their young children have a profound effect on their development and propensity for childhood obesity. Special emphasis has be on the prevention of excess omega-6 fatty acids and refined carbohydrates that can alter gene expression to increase the likelihood of obesity. A growing child will need more protein and more omega-3 fatty acids as the brain is the most rapidly growing organ in the first two years after birth.

Make sure children are eating adequate low-fat protein (about the size of the palm of their hand) at every meal with lots of cut up fruits and vegetables as carbohydrate. Avoid omega-6 fatty acids from vegetable oil and use olive oil as an appropriate fat source.

Dr. Barry Sears, creator of The Zone Diet