Several factors can contribute to an unhealthy weight (weighing too much OR too little), and these factors apply both to children and adults. For most kids, the fundamental cause of weight gain is ingesting more calories (energy) than are expended ("burned" through activity and exercise).

But in reality, it isn't that simple. At the root of this "calorie overload" are behavioral, social and genetic culprits:



The pace of life today often has only two speeds, "flat out" and "chill out."

• Families rush through their jam-packed schedules, leaving less time for cooking healthy meals and sitting down together to enjoy them.


• As a result, the food of choice has become the "fast" variety, drive-thru menus and prepackaged foods that are loaded with calories, fat and preservatives.



• Being starved for time can even lead to skipping meals entirely, which may prompt overeating when the next meal finally rolls around.


• As families take in more calories and fat, they're also spending less time being physically active and more time in front of the TV and computer.


• The average school-age child spends over 14 hours each week watching TV or playing video games, not to mention time on the computer beyond what's required for schoolwork.


• Parents' habits affect their children's habits. If parents lead an inactive lifestyle or have poor eating habits, their children will likely follow suit, and risk becoming overweight.

Note: Even if your child isn't overweight, he or she may be risking malnutrition and poor health by not eating adequate portions of fruits, vegetables, proteins and fiber.



As we rush through our busy days, there's literally more on our plate, too.

• It's become commonplace, and socially acceptable, to eat much larger portions at mealtime. Nutritionists often refer to this unhealthy trend as "portion distortion."


• During the past 20 years, the average portion size in homes, grocery stores, restaurants and even movie theaters has increased dramatically. (Twenty years ago, the average movie-theater popcorn portion was 3 cups; today, it's 16 cups!)


• Fast-food restaurants now encourage customers to "value size" their meals, doubling the normal serving size at a price that "saves you money."


• "All You Can Eat" promotions also tie the promise of extra value directly to larger servings. And when a family goes back for "seconds," they don't usually head for the salad bar.

The truth is, we share more than just dinner with our kids.

• Genes we inherit from our parents help determine our personal traits, body type and how our bodies burn and store fat.


• Being aware that parents can pass along their genes as well as their habits makes it even more important for families to lead a healthy lifestyle.