The Cause of Childhood Obesity

The cause of childhood obesity - Childhood obesity is becoming something that is commonplace today. (Read more : The incidence of childhood obesity in the world). In fact, there are so many health warnings about the dangers, behind children who are obese. What makes a child affected by obesity? Let's look at the causes of childhood obesity on article below.

Formerly cells adipocytes (fat cells) are understood only as a storage of excess energy in the form of fatty acids and cholesterol. However, subsequent studies have confirmed it turns fat cells also produce several active substances that function or mimic hormones such as leptin, adiponectin, and much more. In biochemistry at first one hypothesized cause of obesity is the reduced levels of the hormone leptin (hypo leptinemia) resulting in dysfunction of leptin. This resulted in not being able to function leptin decrease food intake and increase energy expenditure. However, apparently showed the obese children and adults increased levels of leptin (hyperleptinemia), but still, the dysfunction of leptin, it caused the state of leptin resistance.

The causes of obesity can be divided into two broad groups namely environmental factors and genetic factors. Approximately 90% of the causes of obesity are environmental factors that include excessive eating and unhealthy way of life (sedentary life). Research on obese children in private schools in Jakarta showed most of the children are consuming energy and fat above the recommended amount. Excessive consumption of foods that are not followed by the adequate physical activity will result in energy intake (energy intake) more than the energy expended (energy expenditure). This excess energy either coming from carbohydrates, protein or fat will be stored in the form of cholesterol, free fatty acids, and triglycerides. Excess fat is what will cause a change in the balance of hormones in fat cells as well as disturbances in energy balance regulation with the consequent emergence of some complications such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus type 2, respiratory disorders and disorders of the bone.

More information about children health on  children health.

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