Understanding childhood obesity: The genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors fueling early weight gain

Childhood obesity has become one of the most alarming health issues of our time. In every corner of the world, more children are consuming high-calorie diets, spending long hours on screens, and moving less than ever before. According to the World Obesity Federation, more than 250 million children are expected to be obese by 2030 if current trends continue. What makes this rise particularly concerning is that obesity in childhood often leads to lifelong health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease. Scientists now believe the roots of this epidemic lie not only in lifestyle but also in genetics, environment, and modern food systems that encourage overeating from an early age. Not all children gain weight the same way, even when they eat similar foods. This d