Etiologies of obesity in children: nature and nurture

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2011 Dec;58(6):1333-54, ix. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2011.09.006.

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a profoundly complex problem and serves as an example of a biospsychosocial issue. Scientific inquiry has provided incredible insight into the complex etiology of weight gain but must be viewed as an interaction between a human's propensity to conserve calories for survival in a world with an abundance of it. This article provides a brief overview divided between biological (nature) and psychosocial and behavioral (nurture) factors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Endocrine System Diseases / complications
  • Endocrine System Diseases / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Neurosecretory Systems / physiology
  • Obesity / etiology*
  • Obesity / genetics
  • Obesity / psychology
  • Parenting
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
  • Risk Factors