Childhood obesity is determined based on the body mass index, or BMI. A BMI at the 95th percentile or higher is classified as obese, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Obesity negatively impacts a child physically, emotionally and socially, making prevention an important goal for parents, teachers and other adults. Some of the potential problems related to obesity include Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep problems, depression and teasing by other children.
Step 1
Evaluate your own risk for obesity, including your lifestyle. Assess your eating habits and your activity level. Make healthier lifestyle changes to serve as a positive role model for your children and other young people in your life.
Step 2
Teach children about making healthy food choices instead of simply removing all junk food and placing healthy food in front of them. Take your child to the farmers market or grocery store to help pick out fresh produce. Teach them how to read labels so they can choose the healthiest option.
Step 3
Cook healthy foods with your child. Cooking is an enjoyable activity for many children and gives you a chance to bond. Kids learn how to prepare healthy meals, which is a valuable skill as they move into adulthood. Establishing healthy cooking skills early makes a child more likely to continue eating that way as an adult.
Step 4
Eat together as a family, with everyone enjoying healthy foods. Singling out one child who is at risk for obesity makes him feel targeted. All family members benefit from a healthy lifestyle.
Step 5
Encourage physical activity as a family. Take nightly walks around the neighborhood, play sports in the backyard or turn on music and dance around the living room each morning. Regular physical activity helps control weight, making it a key element to preventing obesity.
Step 6
Limit activities that promote a sedentary lifestyle, such as watching TV, playing video games and surfing the Internet. If your child isn't allowed to sit around doing these activities all day, he is more likely to find more active options.
Step 7
Discuss being healthy with your children rather than focusing on weight specifically. Getting your children to think in terms of health rather than weight promotes a more positive outlook.
Step 8
Encourage the local school system to evaluate its practices to promote health. Getting involved in the PTA gives you a forum for promoting change in the school lunch program, health curriculum and physical education class.
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