Childhood obesity is becoming a serious problem in many countries. Causes and solutions.

Childhood

obesity

is getting more prevalent in many parts of the world.

This

problem is mainly caused by the changes that come along with modern life; and it can be reduced with the involvement of governments and parents. The most common cause of childhood

obesity

is the popularity of fast

food

. With so many parents preoccupied with work, fast

food

meals are a more practical choice considering how quick it is to prepare compared to a home-cooked meal.

However

, these ready-made foods are high in non-saturated fat and salt - the substances which create and retain fat in the body if consumed in large amounts.

This

kind of diet is already playing a part in increasing

obesity

rates among children in countries

such

as China and Israel. Governments can help curb the influence of fast

food

by placing higher taxes on these

food

items. When fast

food

is more expensive, parents will be discouraged from buying

such

food

for their children so frequently. Another reason for childhood

obesity

is the modern

lifestyle

. Many children have little

time

for physical exercise due to modern technologies. In their free

time

, these children tend to prefer using their smartphones or tablets rather than playing sports, which gradually develops a sedentary

lifestyle

and higher risks of

obesity

. Another aspect of modern life that makes children gain weight is more focus on academic excellence. Parents often force their children to attend extra classes,

thus

minimizing their play

time

. In order to address

this

issue, parents need to make more

time

to supervise and play with their children to promote a more active

lifestyle

. On top of that, parents should

also

engage in physical activities more to set a good example for children to follow. In conclusion, childhood

obesity

is the result of the growth of fast

food

and the modern

lifestyle

. Actions from both governments and parents are needed to alleviate

this

problem.