Genetics is often blamed for obesity. Genetics causes some children to be more susceptible to obesity, but genetics does not cause obesity.
Children are overweight for a variety of reasons.
Many children are spending hours sitting in front of the television or computer instead of playing and exercising outside. In addition, many families are eating a diet containing too many high-fat and high calorie foods like fast food, cakes, cookies, chips, and soda. In order for a child to lose weight a calorie deficit must be created. There are two ways to create a calorie deficit - exercise and eating healthy, lower calorie foods. Parents can help their overweight child by being supportive and adapting a healthy lifestyle of their own.