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 childhood obesity comes from the laziness of their parents in a few key areas: in the food they allow their kids to eat (if they bother to monitor that at all), in the time they spend with their children rather than letting them stare at cartoons and video games, and in being proactive enough to spark some enthusiasm for getting up and moving around. Parents often fail in one or all of these areas, and their children suffer for it.

Adding a requirement for a daily minimum of one hour of active play time inside or preferably outside, where no video games and electronics are allowed would be a small step towards a healthier lifestyle and possibly even making some new friends.

Tyler Spraul is VP of Public Relations at WeightTraining.com