What Causes Childhood Obesity? – Part 9

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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.

Keeping Kids Fit
Opinion: Dr. Caroline Cederquist

“With two-thirds of American adults now overweight, it’s no surprise that the numbers among children are skyrocketing, as well. That’s because unlike adults, who must make their own dietary choices, children are largely at the effect of the nutritional environment in which they are raised, in the home, in school, in their neighborhoods and communities.”

“Children are being drawn into obesity unawares, and by the time they’re old enough to take more control of their dietary practices, the groundwork has long since been laid; poor eating habits are already entrenched, and the excess weight has already become a fact of life.”

“Obesity is hard to treat at any age, and without question, prevention is the best hope for our children, because as we age, it becomes harder and harder to lose excess weight. Physical changes occur that make it physiologically more difficult, and the poor habits that led to the initial gain become more and more ingrained.”

Dr. Caroline Cederquist, MD, and Director of Cederquist Medical Wellness Center