Examples Of Nature Vs. Nurture In Childhood Obesity

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Nature vs. Nurture in Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity can evolve from nature (genetics) and/or nurture (environmental factors). On the nature side, genetic and hormonal disorders can predispose a child to obesity. Examples of genetic & hormonal disorders include: Prader-Willi syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome, and Hypothyroidism. On the nurture side, environmental factors have been related to an increase in childhood obesity. Examples of environmental factors include: diet, level of physical activity, and socioeconomic status. Prader-Willi syndrome is a complex genetic condition that affects many parts of the body. In infancy, Prader-Willi syndrome is characterized by weak muscle tone, feeding difficulties, poor growth, and delayed development. Beginning in childhood, affected individuals develop an insatiable appetite, which leads to chronic overeating and obesity. Some people with Prader-Willi syndrome, particularly those with obesity, also develop type 2 diabetes mellitus (Genetics Home Reference, 2014).
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In most cases, it is caused by an abnormality in the adrenal or pituitary glands. Cortisol helps a child’s body respond to an illness or injury. It also stabilizes the blood pressure and blood sugar levels. When the body produces too much cortisol, it can slow a child’s growth, disrupt puberty, and cause obesity, mood changes, and a variety of other symptoms (CHOP, 2014). The primary symptom of Cushing’s syndrome in children who are still growing is a dramatic slowing in vertical growth, which causes the child to gain weight, specifically in the