Which factor is cited as contributing to the current increase in childhood obesity?

Which factor is cited as contributing to the current increase in childhood obesity?

• A. Increased outdoor activity
• B. Sedentary lifestyle
• C. Higher protein intake
• D. Improved sleep quality

Answer: (B)

The central idea is energy balance over time: obesity tends to rise when calories consumed consistently exceed calories burned through activity. A sedentary lifestyle lowers daily energy expenditure because more time is spent sitting, walking less, and engaging in low-energy activities like screen time. Over time, this reduced activity can lead to a positive energy balance and fat gain, contributing to higher obesity rates in children. Keeping more outdoor activity would increase energy burn and help prevent obesity, so it wouldn’t be a contributing factor. Higher protein intake, while important for nutrition, isn’t the primary driver of rising obesity. Improved sleep quality is generally associated with healthier weight, whereas poor sleep is linked to higher obesity risk, so better sleep wouldn’t contribute to the current increase.

The central idea is energy balance over time: obesity tends to rise when calories consumed consistently exceed calories burned through activity. A sedentary lifestyle lowers daily energy expenditure because more time is spent sitting, walking less, and engaging in low-energy activities like screen time. Over time, this reduced activity can lead to a positive energy balance and fat gain, contributing to higher obesity rates in children.

Keeping more outdoor activity would increase energy burn and help prevent obesity, so it wouldn’t be a contributing factor. Higher protein intake, while important for nutrition, isn’t the primary driver of rising obesity. Improved sleep quality is generally associated with healthier weight, whereas poor sleep is linked to higher obesity risk, so better sleep wouldn’t contribute to the current increase.