Child Obesity

American Obesity Association
http://www.obesity.org/subs/childhood/

Mayo Clinic: Children's Health
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhood-obesity/FL00058

Kids Health
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/body/overweight_obesity.html

Health in Schools
http://www.healthinschools.org/sh/obesityfs.asp

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/

St. Louis Children's Hospital
http://stlouischildrens.org/default.aspx?tabid=88&acn=view&aid=1779

http://stlouischildrens.org/default.aspx?tabid=88&acn=view&aid=3525

http://stlouischildrens.org/default.aspx?tabid=88&acn=view&aid=3417

Ask Your Doctor
On your next wellness visit, be sure to ask your doctor:

• What is a normal diet for a child that age. Your pediatrician can tell you about portion sizes plus share nutritional information.
• If you suspect your child is overweight, ask his or her pediatrician. Some doctors are sensitive about raising matters of weight and shape.
• And lastly, ask about your child's weight-to-height ratio. An upward trend may sometimes indicate a risk for obesity.
• You may have other questions. Be sure to write them down prior to your appointment and take them with you.
  
  

Easy as 1, 2, 3
What you need to know about preventing child obesity is as easy as 1 - 2 - 3.

• Exercise. Exercise. Exercise. Children should get 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day.
• Take five a day -- five servings of fruits and vegetables that is. Research shows it helps prevent cancer, diabetes, hypertension and a host of other diseases.
• Limit screen time. Time spent in front of the television or computer is time your children could be moving around. Other than homework, get them up and moving.
  
  Obesity