Which factors are considered risk factors for childhood obesity?

High birth weight and lower socioeconomic status are considered significant risk factors for childhood obesity. Children who are born with a higher birth weight may have an increased likelihood of becoming obese later in life due to a combination of genetic, metabolic, and environmental influences. Additionally, lower socioeconomic status is associated with factors such as limited access to healthy foods, reduced opportunities for physical activity, and greater reliance on calorie-dense, affordable foods. These conditions can contribute to unhealthy dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles, increasing the risk of obesity among children.

Social determinants of health and the environment play critical roles in the development of obesity, and both high birth weight and lower socioeconomic status reflect systemic issues that affect children's health and nutrition. Understanding these risk factors can help in developing targeted interventions aimed at preventing childhood obesity.