X causes Y

Childhood obesity can cause / lead to long-term health problems.

Changes in lifestyle and diet over the last twenty years have caused / led to / resulted in a sharp increase in childhood obesity.

Several factors, including changes in diet and lifestyle, have contributed to the increase in childhood obesity.

Research suggests that fast food and soft drinks directly contribute to childhood obesity.

Genetics, lifestyle and diet are all important factors in cases of childhood obesity.

Even small changes in lifestyle and diet can bring about significant weight loss.

cause = lead to = reasult in = bring about

to make something happen

contribute to something

to be one of the causes of something

factor

one of several things that influence or cause a situation