One in 5 children in the United States are obese. Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were once seen only in adults, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
The good news is that childhood obesity can be prevented. In honor of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, we encourage your family to make healthy changes together.
- Get active outside: Walk around the neighborhood, go on a bike ride, or play basketball at the park.
- Limit screen time: Keep screen time (time spent on the computer, watching TV, or playing video games) to 2 hours or less a day.
- Make healthy meals: Buy and serve more vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain foods.
Taking small steps as a family can help your child stay at a healthy weight.
Resources
Health Topics
- Help Your Child Stay at a Healthy Weight
- Healthy Snacks: Quick tips for parents
- Eat Healthy
- Get Active
- Ride Your Bike Safely
- Swim Safely: Quick tips
Healthy People Topic Areas
Personal Health Tools
- Body Mass Index: Child and Teen
- MyPlate Blast Off Game
- BAM! Body and Mind
- Eat Healthy, Move More Chart [PDF – 91 KB]
- Healthy Adventure Infographic [PDF – 572 KB]
Other Resources
- The American College of Sports Medicine
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month Sponsor - How Much Physical Activity Do Children Need?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - 8 Healthy Eating Goals
The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition - Childhood Overweight and Obesity
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Tips for Getting Active with Your Family
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - MyPlate Kids’ Place
United States Department of Agriculture - Healthy Weight Basics
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Nutrition Tools and Resources
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Campaigns and Informational Approaches to Increase Physical Activity
Community Preventive Services Task Force
