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.

First, children are less active. When I grew up, we played outside! These days, kids play more inside on video games or on the computers. I rarely see kids outside in their yards anymore.

Second, both parents are usually working now, whereas when I grew up, the mom was usually able to stay home. With both parents working, it’s easy to just have the kids buy school lunches, go to restaurants for dinner, or order in pizza, chinese food, or bring home McD’s for dinner. Children packing lunches and families sitting down together for dinner seems to be a thing of the past.

Two things that parents can do now to ward off childhood obesity is to encourage their kids to play outside more, and go out there with them! America is the fattest country in the WORLD, so parents could use some exercise too! The second thing they can do is cut down on fast food and on buying quick, easy meals. Fast food is loaded with sugar and calories and delivery food is just as bad.

As a side note, about 80% of kids are now also deficient in Vitamin D, which is the result of kids spending too much time indoors. Vitamin D keeps the immune system strong and also helps bones grow and stay strong. Just another reason to get outside!

Justine SanFilippo, CHC, CPT – – Health and Nutrition Coach, a Personal Trainer, and an Author. My website is:

www.happyhealthyweightloss.com