Which statement about the causes of childhood obesity is true?
A) All children are equally at risk for excessive weight gain.
B) Genetic, rather than environmental, factors put children at risk for obesity.
C) Children who were undernourished in their early years are at risk for later excessive weight gain.
D) Children whose parents restrict when, what, and how much they eat are not at risk for weight gain.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Children who were undernourished in their early years are at risk for later excessive weight gain due to the body's natural inclination to store energy in the form of fat in case of future food scarcity. This is compounded by limited access to nutrient-rich foods and sedentary lifestyles. Other factors that can contribute to childhood obesity include diet choices, lack of physical activity, and environmental factors such as availability of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and drinks. Genetics can also play a role in weight gain, but it is not the only or even most significant factor. Parents who restrict their child's food intake may actually increase the risk of overeating and obesity due to psychological and physiological reactions to food deprivation.

Which Statement About the Causes of Childhood Obesity Is True