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.

I believe there are a few things that contribute to childhood obesity – the public school day only allows a very brief recess time for children to run around and be active. In addition the same children eat the public school lunch that very often consists of chicken nuggets, stromboli, pizza, or hotdogs. Children are wired to move, to run…there should be more time for this throughout the day. Another contributing factor to childhood obesity is that children and families are too plugged in. The gadgets (computer, internet, ipods, ipads, games) take over while exercise is put on hold. Another contributing factor of childhood obesity is the amount of soda and juice that is consumed each day. Many families stock the frig with drinks high in calories and sugar. Kids think they need “special” drinks rather then the old fashioned tap water!

Lydia Odell Trainer, Coach