Obesity is a major concern observed among children. Overweight kids are always having health issues and this is where genes are considered the sole reason for weight gain. However, this may not be entirely true because obesity is a result of myriad of factors rather than just genetics. It's one of those nature versus nurture debates where the outcome doesn't lean toward either of the two camps.
According to Psychcentral, health researchers have declared that weight gain is a constitute of many factors, mothers drinking and smoking while being pregnant, children not having a proper breakfast, their sleeping patterns are very important in predicting a weight gain. This shows that both nature and nurture are at play in deciding whether an individual gets obese or not
When children skip their meals, their appetite tendency becomes higher and as a result, they consume more food that are supposedly increasing energy but at the same time, these foods are not properly digested as a result of disturbed sleeping routines. Genetic influence does play a role in the equation but only till actualizing whether an individual will be likely inclined towards weight gain or not. This tendency comes naturally and may be attributed to genes.
University college London has proposed a plan by examining the BMI and inter-check them with lifestyles of children in their first 10 years. Obesity is also related to a child's mental health as well, that is poorer mental health prevails in their later life. Shockingly the above-mentioned factors turned out to be bigger factors than fizzy drinks and junk food.
WebMD has suggested parents should consult with their child's pediatrician, to keep a check on their child's weight by computing BMI on regular basis. Prevention should be on the list to save a child from gaining more weight and inducing them into changing their habits.
