Modifiable Factors:
Unhealthy Eating Habits
Studies have suggested that consuming high-fat, high-calorie, and high-sugar foods is related to increased body weight (Chen et al., 2005). Consumptions of unhealthy foods,such as burgers and fries, soft drinks, and candy are becoming more common in children's diets and unfortunately, fewer children are practicing healthy eating habits (Philippas & Lo, 2005). Additionally, children these days are skipping meals and purchasing meals at school or fast-food restaurants, where food tpically has 45% to 55% of thier calories from fat (Veugelers et al.,2005).
Physical Inactivity
More children are participating in sedentary beaviours such as watching television, playing video games, and surfing the Internet. These sedentary activities reduces the time children spend on energetic activities. According to a study, the total energy expenditure in younger children is approximately 25% lower than current energy intake recommendations (Mackenzie, 2002).
Parental Influence
Parents strongly influence a child's attitudes ad behaviours, which canlead to the developent r prevention of obesity. According to The Daily (2003), "having a obese parent greatly increased the odds of obesity" (par. 1). It is proven that children of active parents are 6 times more likely to be active than when thier parents are inactive (Mackenzie, 2000). Additionally, a child's food preferences and eating patterns are formed by parental food beliefs and eating habits.
Environment
Some factors are over-exposure to advertising of foods that promote high-calorie foods and lack of recreational facilities (American Obesity Association, 2002).
Socioeconomic Status
Low family incomes and non-working parents - these families are not able to afford health foods. Instead, money is spent on cheap, yet unhealthy foods (American Obesity Association, 2002).
Non-modifiable Factors:
Genetics
Greater risk of obesity has been found in children of obese and overweight parents (Americn Obesity Association, 2002).
Socioeconomic Status
Although this factor was also mentioned as a modifiable factor, for some families, their socioeconomic staus cannot be modified.
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