Early Causative Factors of Childhood Obesity

Sunil Gothwal

Abstract

The prevalence of childhood obesity has increased markedly over recent decades, establishing it as a significant pediatric health concern. Its etiology is complex and multifactorial. This review examines existing literature to identify early determi¬nants of childhood obesity. Multiple factors have been impli¬cated, including race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status (such as family income and structure), environmental influences, genetic predisposition, age, sleep patterns, medications, infant feeding practices (bottle feeding vs breastfeeding), comor¬bidities, dietary habits, physical activity, and nutrition during pregnancy and early infancy. Breastfeeding and appropriate timing of complementary feeding have been associated with a protective effect against the development of obesity later in life.