Does Eating Fast Food Lead to Childhood Obesity?

Does eating fast food lead to childhood obesity? Not necessarily, say researchers from the University of North Carolina. In fact, the problem may be closer to home than you think.

Among children consuming fast foods, overall dietary pattern, rather than fast food consumption, may be more responsible for obesity, according to a recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. When researchers studied children's diets outside of fast food meals, they found that a diet low in dairy, fruit and vegetables and high in sugar-sweetened beverages was a stronger indicator for obesity in kids.

In other words, the poor eating habits of children at home could be what is really driving childhood obesity.

Check out the slideshow above to discover more surprising details plus who researchers say is really to blame.

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