Childhood obesity can have long-term health effects including heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and adult obesity. It is caused by lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating, fast food consumption, and family history. While losing weight before adulthood may lower future health risks, those with childhood obesity still face greater health risks than adults who were never obese. Prevention efforts include increasing physical activity, home cooking, limiting screen time, and teaching children control over their food choices.