Mother’s Perception on the Causes of Childhood Obesity in Recessive Economy in Nsukka Urban of Enugu State, Nigeria

The major purpose of this study is to investigate the mother’s perception of the causes of childhood obesity in the recessive economy in Nsukka urban of Enugu State. Specifically, the study was designed to identify the influence of dietary pattern/nutritional status on obese children, investigate the influence of physical activities on childhood obesity, determine the influence of environmental factors on childhood obesity, and ascertain the influence of genetic factors on childhood obesity. The area of study is Nsukka Urban. The population for the study is 3000 mothers in Nsukka Urban. A descriptive survey design was used. 4 research questions were posed to guide the study. A snowball sampling technique was used to select 300 mothers. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the data collected. The study found that most mothers provide their children with whatever food that is available because of recession without considering the adverse effect of inadequate diet on children. This can be as a result of ignorance and hardship. The study found that physical activities helps in reduction of childhood obesity. The study found that environmental factors and genetic factors play a vital role in childhood obesity. The study recommended that mothers should be educated on how to choose adequate diet intentionally