These 8 foods are the biggest cause of childhood obesity

Obesity is defined as a medical condition where a person has excessive weight or body fat that might be detrimental to their health. A body mass index (BMI) of over 30 suggests that a person is obese. Obesity is a serious condition, and children who are diagnosed with it are at risk for a number of chronic health conditions like diabetes, asthma, and heart disease.

Poor diet is one of the root causes of childhood obesity, but it is not as simple is that. A variety of other factors like family history, mental health and physical lifestyle also play a role in determining a child’s health. Therefore instances like death of a close family member, stress from homework, and lack of physical activity also play a role in influencing obesity in children. Even so, what a child eats is a major determinant of the condition, and foods that are high in calories and low in nutrition increase the likelihood of its occurrence. Here is a list of 8 foods that are the biggest cause of childhood obesity.

Soft drinks are a fan favourite among children. Not only do soft drinks contain a lot of sugar, but the calories present in these drinks are in liquid form, and liquid calories are absorbed by the body quicker and more easily. This puts you at an increased risk of weight gain, and regular consumption can lead to obesity.

Ham, sausages, and salami make for a delicious meal, but don’t be fooled by the taste. They contain many agents that lead to weight gain like trans fats, additives like high fructose corn syrup, sugar, and a lot of calories. Though they contain a little nutrition, they are unhealthy overall, and increase the risk of obesity.

Packaged food like potato chips and soya chips that might seem benign can actually lead to obesity if consumed regularly. Most packaged foods are deep fried and the oil significantly increases the calorie count. The finished product is usually devoid of substantial nutrition and is filled with calories.

Frozen food like chicken nuggets and ready to eat meals undergo a lot of processing which rid them of all their nutrition. On top of that, they are high in saturated fats, and unhealthy additives are added to them to increase shelf life. All these factors culminate into weight gain, and overconsumption of frozen foods can lead to obesity.

Beloved dishes like burgers, pizzas, and fries are some of the unhealthiest foods known to man. They are loaded with unhealthy ingredients like trans fats, salt, sugar, and calories, all of which contribute to the accumulation of fat. Children love to indulge in these foods, therefore the consumption of fast food must be kept at a minimum.

The taste and appearance of candies are appealing to children, many of whom like to indulge in the treat. Unfortunately, eating too much of it can cause obesity. Candies are loaded with artificial sugars to give them their flavour, and these sugars are loaded with empty calories, which provide no nutrition and increase the risk of weight gain.

Cereals are often advertised as being a healthy choice for breakfast, but that is not true. They are loaded with excessive sugar to make them taste good, which is why so many children like having cereal for breakfast. Breakfast cereals are the perfect recipe for weight gain, and eating too much of it can cause obesity at an early age.

Most children have an innate sweet tooth, and bakery goods provide a quick fix to take care of that. Cakes, pastries, muffins, and donuts are all delicious bakery goods that children love to eat, but they are detrimental to their health. Filled with sugar and empty calories, if eaten in excess, these foods can lead to obesity.