Overweight children are more likely to carry excess weight into adulthood. Adults who are overweight are more likely to develop health problems such as heart disease and certain types of cancer. You can do a lot as a parent or guardian to help your child achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Staying active and consuming nutritious foods and beverages is critical for your child’s health. You can play an active role in assisting your child and your entire family in developing healthy habits.

Healthy habits are formed at home. Setting a good example in front of your kids is of utmost importance. A child who observes his or her parents eating more fruits and vegetables, being active, and limiting TV time is more likely to follow suit. Discuss with your child what it means to be healthy and how to make healthy choices. Indulge your children in one hour of physical activity and limit their screen time. Make sure your child gets enough sleep.

Improve your child’s eating habits

Aside from consuming fewer high-calorie, high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt foods, drinks, and snacks, you can encourage your child to eat healthier by providing these options more frequently:

Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains such as brown rice. Instead of whole milk or cream, choose fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products or milk substitutes such as soy beverages with added calcium and vitamin D. Instead of milkshakes or ice cream, try fruit and vegetable smoothies made with fat-free or low-fat yogurt. Instead of high-fat meat, choose lean meats, poultry, seafood, beans and peas, soy products, and eggs. Sodas and sugary drinks should be avoided at all costs. Instead, serve sparkling water with a twist of lime or a splash of fruit juice to a child. Portion sizes should be kept under control. Excessive amounts of anything can lead to weight gain. Smaller dishes should be used to keep portions under control.