Conceptual Framework

Figure 1

Figure 1 presents the obesity is the result of complex interactions of multiple factors

that have gradually led to enduring changes in lifestyles, and thus, creating a global

epidemic Childhood obesity is portrayed by the accrual of excess of major health

concerns. The roles of genetics and the sive body fat as well as the growth of excess

a dipocytes environment are vital and need to be explored to further. It is widely

accepted as has been reported that our understanding of the etiology of childhood

obesity. overweight or obese children are at greater risk of becoming This review

critically looked at published reports over overweight or obese adults; who will face

a life-time of the past decade on factors that are unmodifiable, such as increased risk

for various diseases, including diabetes melli- genetics, ethnic differences,

gestational weight and intra- tus, cardiovascular disease, liver disease and certain

cancers uterine conditions; as well as modifiable factors]. Even during childhood,

obesity has been reported to socioeconomic status, diet, physical activity, sleep, and

increase the risk for various medical problems, such as parental determinants. With

the worldwide increase in prediabetes and diabetes, metabolic syndrome,

cardiovascu- prevalence of pediatric obesity over the past several lar, pulmonary,

orthopedic and gastrointestinal diseases, as decades, it is imperative that we

understand the root well as psychological problems. Causes of obesity in order to

arrest the rising trend The incidence of overweight and obesity has great through

better prevention and intervention strategies. implications for public health.

Theoretical Framework
Figure 2

Figure 2: The theoretical framework used in this study was adapted from the

ecological systems theory. The ecological theory highlights the importance of

environmental factors in the development of individuals. A person is considered to be

at the centre of nested structures of the ecological environment: institutions and

groups, such as families and neighborhoods; relations and social ties; cultural
contexts; and events and transitions over a life course. Changes in these different

levels in the system affect the development of individuals. This multilevel approach

to understanding individual development has been used in several studies assessing

the influence of various factors on individual health outcomes. In the adapted

framework below, obesity is a problem arising from a complex system of individual,

social-cultural and environmental factors that influence individual behaviors on food

consumption and choice (energy intake) and physical activity (exercise and sedentary

patterns) i.e. expenditure.