Healthy Preschooler Weight - Preventing Obesity

Even if your preschooler is at a healthy weight now, it's important to take steps to prevent excess weight gain and obesity. There has been a rapid rise in the number of obese children in the United States - from 5% in 1963 to 17% in 2004. Daily decisions about choosing healthy food and promoting physical activity in your preschooler is a great place to start. In addition, specific recommendations for preventing and treating childhood obesity were published this month (Dec, 2007). Here are some strategies supported by science to help prevent obesity in your child.

Healthy Habits to Prevent Obesity

1. Limit consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages

2. Consume the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables each day

3. Limit time spent watching television and other screen time

4. Eat breakfast each day

5. Limit eating out, especially in fast food restaurants

6. Have family meals where parents and children eat together

7. Limit portion sizes

Additional Healthy Habits

1. Eat a diet rich in calcium

2. Eat a diet high in fiber

3. Eat a balance of protein, fat and carbohydrate

4. For newborns, breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months, and maintain breastfeeding for the first 12 months and beyond

5. Perform moderate to vigorous physical activity for at least 60 minutes per day

6. Limit eating energy-dense foods

The Role of Preschooler Parents in Preventing Obesity

Parents play an integral role in shaping the health habits of their preschool children. Being a positive role model of healthy eating and physical activity is important for preventing excessive weight gain and obesity, as are playing with your children and making sure they have access to high quality food and places to exercise

As a preschooler parent, you are in control of what food is available to your child. Offer a variety of healthy food choices including fruits and vegetables, keep soda and other sweetened beverages to a minimum, and limit eating at fast food restaurants. At mealtimes, let your child decide how much they need to eat.

Preschoolers with parents who are overweight are more likely to become overweight themselves. Speak to a physician or health professional to discuss resources for adopting healthy behaviors.

Reference

Expert Committee Recommendations Regarding the Prevention, Assessment, and Treatment of Child and Adolescent Obesity: Summary Report. Pediatrics, Volume 10, Number 3, Dec 2007.

More Information About Preschooler Weight

Preschooler BMI - Does Your Preschooler Have a Healthy Weight?
Find out how to determine if your preschooler's weight is healthy.

by Kati Chevaux

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