How to Prevent Obesity in Young Children

According to the University of Michigan Health Systems, there are more than 12 million obese children in the United Stated today. Child are labeled as obese if they weight more than 20 percent over their ideal weight. There are many parents who make excuses when their children are young, or who feel as though their child will grow out of it. Sadly, some do not. This is when parents need to step in and prevent the obesity from becoming a lifelong problem for the child.

Instructions

• 1

  Educate them. Your child is never too young to learn about nutrition. Teach a toddler by offering her an apple or banana instead of cookies or a candy bar. As she becomes older, begin reading her books that emphasize healthy eating habits. A great book for this is "Gobble and Gulp," by Stephen Cosgrove.

• 2

  Lead by example. If you want your child to eat healthy, you must practice healthy eating habits too. Keep in mind that children will mimic everything you do, so watch everything you place in your mouth. Enjoy a healthy snack with them and your entire family's health could improve.

• 3

  Offer good rewards. Many parents will reward a child's good behavior in the store or at home with a candy bar. Instead, try rewarding them with a trip to the zoo or by allowing them to have a sleepover. Constantly rewarding them with food forms a habit that will stay with them as they grow older, and one that can lead to a weight problem if they find frequent reasons for a reward.

• 4

  Promote exercise. Too often children are placed in front of the virtual babysitter--the television. This makes them sedentary and only leads to weight problems. To combat this, limit their TV time and get them moving. Take them outside and play tag, or walk to the park. Let them ride their bike around the driveway or just run. It doesn't matter what the physical activity is, as long as they are getting some.

• 5

  Advocate for their health. Once your child becomes school age, advocate for healthier school meals and meal choices. Many schools, even at the elementary level, have soda machines in the cafeterias. Request these be changes to bottled water machines instead. If you are a member of the PTA, bring the topic up at a meeting and gather as much parental support as possible.