Unfortunately less than 1 percent of obese children have a true hormonal imbalance or other medical condition. While no one reason solely explains this phenomenon, genetics, poor nutrition, bad eating habits, and lack of exercise are the likely causes. How much heredity contributes to the problem is controversial. Even if a child inherits genes that create obesity, environmental factors such as a sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits must be present for obesity to take hold. There are many things parents can do to help their children.
Children vary and many appear overweight when compared to their friends but really are normal.
Remember, a reasonable goal for most young overweight children is not to lose weight but to slow their weight gain and grow into their weight. Give the child your unconditional love and support. No matter how much they weigh, let them know they're a good person. Build self-esteem and emphasize your youngster's positive traits. Lack of exercise is the number one cause of childhood obesity.