Within the home: Parent-child interactions and the home environment can affect the behaviors of children and youth related to calorie intake and physical activity. Parents are role models for their children who are likely to develop habits similar to their parents. Within child care: Almost 80% of children aged 5 years and younger with working [...]

Studies indicate that certain genetic characteristics may increase an individual’s susceptibility to overweight. However, this genetic susceptibility may need to exist in conjunction with contributing environmental and behavioral factors (such as a high-calorie food supply and minimal physical activity) to have a significant effect on weight. Genetic factors alone can play a role in specific [...]