Risk Factors And Causes Of Childhood Obesity

Boredom

The right kind of boredom in a child might lead to the quest for creativity, but the wrong type may be linked to a variety of self-destructive behaviors such as obesity. Most children tend to be curious about the world around them, but in a technological-driven world where kids are used to being entertained on constantly, it’s not uncommon for feelings of being bored to surface, especially when screen time is limited.

Kids used to being entertained by movies, smartphones, and video games may struggle with the ability to use their imaginations to fuel their creative outlets, and they may often use food as a vehicle to escape being bored. Children who always complain about being bored may need their parents’ direction or ideas. In some instances, kids may be conveying they need their parents’ attention. Rather than letting their child fulfill their boredom through eating, parents can come up with some ideas about how they can engage with their child. They can ask about their favorite book or provide a small project for them to do. With healthy interaction, their child may be less likely to remedy their sense of being bored by taking a trip to the refrigerator.

Continue reading to reveal the next primary cause of childhood obesity.