By Hugh C. McBride

Childhood obesity is one of the most pressing public health problems facing the United States and many other nations today. From rising diabetes rates to lowered life expectancies, experts predict that overweight and obese young people will face an avalanche of impediments to their health, happiness, and overall quality of life.

• The study of children between the ages of 2 and 6 revealed that those who spent one additional hour in front of the television every day had an average of 2 pounds more body fat than did those who watched less TV.
• The researchers measured the children's physical activity levels, body fat, and amount of calories burned.
• The results showed “a clear positive link between how much time per day the children spent watching TV and how fat they were,” Dr. Diane Jackson said, noting that the weight gains could be attributed both to the lack of exercise and the increased snacking that often accompanies television viewing.

• Provide a range of healthy options – Telling a child that she has one and only one choice when it comes to eating or exercise (or just about anything else for that matter) is a recipe for refusal and resistance. Instead, keep the house stocked with healthy foods, and solicit your child’s support in meal planning and preparation. When it comes to exercise, encourage your child to explore a variety of creative activities, including organized sports, classes (such as swimming lessons or dance instruction), and more casual pursuits such as family walks, hikes, and bike rides.
• Lead by example – Contrary to popular belief, your children do hear what you say to them. They also see what you do – and these observations are apt to have the more lasting impact. If your healthy living words of wisdom are delivered in a cloud of cigarette smoke, over a third helping of dessert, or after weeks of starving yourself for your high school reunion, your message is less likely to get through. Following your own advice will show your child that you mean what you say – and it offers the added benefit of improving your health, too.
• Love your children, and let them know it – Regardless of their protestations to the contrary, children do desire the approval of their parents. But if they think that your love and acceptance are contingent upon their reaching a certain weight or attaining a certain level of athletic prowess, their affection for you could morph into a deep-seated resentment. There’s nothing wrong with guiding your children into activities that will benefit them – indeed, that’s part of what being a parent is all about – but don’t let imply that you’re doing it because they need to be “fixed.”