Which has the greatest effect when it comes to the cause of disease? Although only a few statistical studies try to answer this question, one recent study suggests that about 5% of obesity is caused by genetics. That means 95% of the overweight problem is a result of environment – cultural patterns, economic constraints, formal and informal educational levels, health intervention awareness, parental modeling, social pressures, advertising and personal choices.

This is an amazing statistic - especially when so many overweight people tend to say: “It runs in my family.” So we have to ask: “What runs in the family? Genetics or habit patterns? Are these problems from the gene pool or from cultivated cultural/familial choice patterns?”

Clearly, most of the problem lies with the habits we have learned, not the DNA we were born with.

The "Find Youth Info" website talks about elements of positive youth development:

Positive youth development is an intentional, pro-social approach that engages youth within their communities, schools, organizations, peer groups, and families in a manner that is productive and constructive; it recognizes, utilizes, and enhances youths' strengths; and promotes positive outcomes for young people by providing opportunities, fostering positive relationships, and furnishing the support needed to build on their leadership strengths.

Positive youth development has its origins in the field of prevention. In the past, prevention efforts typically focused on single problems before they surfaced in youth, such as teen pregnancy, substance abuse and juvenile delinquency.