Childhood obesity is a condition which if not controlled can enormously increase the number of obese people by several fold. This is particularly true with respect to advanced countries like the US. There are two major causes contributing to the phenomenon of childhood obesity. The first one is of course, the overconsumption of foods with empty calories (junk foods). Foods which contribute only calories and nothing towards nutrition are called junk foods.

TV and Childhood Obesity

The second cause and not the least important, is called time spent in front of the PC, or TV. This time has been called screen time. Increasing screen time in children is a reality. Outdoor activity is shunned. In the eyes of the children, it is pleasant and better to spend time in front of the TV rather than go out and play an activity which requires exertion. Increasing screen time is always accompanied by increased snacking. Thus, watching TV, or sitting in front of the PC, contribute to weight increase in two ways. One is inactivity which increases body fat. The second is the increased intake of calories in the form of junk foods. Any increase in screen time of over two hours is likely to harm the health of children. It is very important to get the children to go out and play.