* Diet: Unhealthy eating habits, consuming too many processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive calories are major contributors.
* Lack of Physical Activity: Insufficient exercise and screen time are significant factors. While homework contributes to sedentary time, it's not the sole culprit. Many children lack sufficient physical activity outside of homework time as well.
* Genetics: Family history and genetic predisposition play a role in weight.
* Socioeconomic Factors: Access to healthy food, safe places to exercise, and parental support can all influence a child's weight.
* Sleep Deprivation: Lack of adequate sleep can disrupt hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism.
Homework *can* contribute to a more sedentary lifestyle and reduced opportunity for physical activity, especially if it takes up a large portion of the evening and leaves little time for play or other active pursuits. However, it's just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Addressing childhood obesity requires a multifaceted approach that tackles all the contributing factors.