Proximal and Distal Factors Associated With Obesity in Childhood: An Exploratory Structural Equation Model.

Key Points

• This research aims to investigate the various factors influencing childhood obesity, distinguishing between proximal and distal contributors.
• Utilized a structural equation model (SEM) to analyze factors affecting weight status
• Evaluated both proximal and distal factors associated with childhood obesity
• Assessed indirect effects of distal factors through proximal pathways
• Proximal factors were identified as primary drivers of childhood weight status
• Neighborhood deprivation was noted as a significant distal factor
• Distal factors demonstrated indirect effects via proximal factors on obesity