You can help your child maintain a healthy body weight by modeling and encouraging regular physical activity and healthy eating. More specifically, you can support regular physical activity by finding out what kinds of physical activity your child enjoys and fostering that enjoyment by playing with your child or supporting his or her participation (e.g., transport your child to activities, coach a team, provide protective equipment). Children spend much of their day sitting at desks and looking at screens (TVs and computers). Limit the amount of time kids spend watching TV and using the computer. Encourage them to engage in active play.
In terms of healthy eating, try to eliminate the amount of empty calories you have in the house. Empty calories are those with little nutritional value. Supply kids with healthy snacks such as fruits and vegetables. Avoid providing kids with soda and juices high in calories but low in vitamins. Avoid eating in front of the television. Model healthy eating behaviors and establish a routine of eating together as a family as often as you can.
The more you can encourage healthy eating and regular physical activity, the more likely that overweight and obesity won’t be a problem in your family. This Web site provides several links to physical activity and nutrition resources that can help you support your child’s healthy development.
