Definition of cause verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
cause
verb
kɔːz kɔːz
to make something happen, especially something bad or unpleasantcause somethingDo they know what caused the fire?Are you causing trouble again?Doctors say her condition is causing some concern.deaths caused by dangerous drivingcause something for somebodyThe bad weather is causing problems for many farmers.cause somebody somethingThe project is still causing him a lot of problems.cause something to do somethingThe poor harvest caused prices to rise sharply.Usage note: causeX causes YChildhood 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. Language Banks at because of, consequently, therefore
kɔːz 
kɔːz 
Usage note: causeX causes YChildhood 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. Language Banks at because of, consequently, therefore