The prevalence of overweight and obesity among Chinese children and adolescents has increased rapidly in the past decades, which has emerged as a crucial public health concern. The review synthesizes current literature to understand the multifaceted factors contributing to this epidemic through the lens of the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM). The model emphasizes the interplay between individual, interpersonal, societal, and physical environmental influences. Recognizing the risk factors of childhood obesity by using SEM would help policymakers, health professionals, and community leaders to develop comprehensive strategies to promote healthier eating behaviours and reduce obesity prevalence in this vulnerable population, which would help to tackle the problem effectively.
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