There are many things that a parent can do to prevent obesity in their child, including:
- Respect your child's appetite; children do not have to finish everything on their plate, or finish the entire bottle.
- Avoid pre-prepared and foods with extra sugar.
- Provide your child with a healthy diet, 30% or fewer calories from fat.
- Provide enough fiber.
- Limit the amount of high-calorie foods kept in the home.
- Enjoy physical activities as a family (walking, playing outdoor games, etc.)
- Limit TV viewing.
- Do not reward completion of meals with sweet desserts.
- Replace whole milk with skim milk at about 2 years of age, or at 1 year of age if you are concerned about obesity.
- Encourage your child to participate in active play.