“Childhood Obesity Causes & Consequences.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11 June 2020, www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/causes.html.

The CDC define childhood obesity as when children have a BMI of higher than 95% of their peers of the same age and sex. They list behavior and genetics as contributing causes to childhood obesity. Eating high-calorie food, lack of sleep, and too much screen time are contributing factors, as well. Eating healthier foods and getting in some daily activity can prevent excess weight gain and can help prevent diseases like diabetes and heart disease when they are older. The CDC offers Dietary and Physical Guidelines as resources for parents and children. Childhood obesity can lead to anxiety, bullying, low self esteem, high blood pressure, and even asthma.