More and more, childhood obesity is becoming prevalent in the U.S. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, over the past two decades it has doubled in children and tripled among teens.

Incremental Lifestyle Changes Starting at Home

• Be a good role model, leading the way to a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy and staying active.
• Remove unhealthy temptations from the home and gradually introduce healthier foods into your child’s diet over a period of time.
• Prepare meals that are rich in vegetables, fruits and whole-grains, and limit consumption of foods high in sugar and saturated fats.
• Allow your child to participate in preparing the family meals to learn the benefits of cooking at home.
• Limit the amount of time your child can spend watching television playing video games or using the computer.
• Incorporate exercise into your child’s daily routine, which can include a wide range of activities such as walking the dog, raking leaves, swimming, playing tag or washing the car.

Talk to Your Pediatrician