Tips for Preventing Childhood Obesity

By Audrey DeSilva, MD

The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity has doubled in the past two decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly 16 percent of children and adolescents in the United States are now overweight. Equally alarming is the trend for overweight children to grow into overweight and obese adults. In a call to action in 2001, the Office of the Surgeon General predicted that preventable chronic illness and premature death from complications associated with obesity might surpass even those health problems associated with cigarette smoking.

By Audrey DeSilva, MD

For most people the holiday season is a time of celebration and reunion with family and friends. We look forward to being together, especially when there is a new addition to the family. However, for young children, the holidays can be a high-risk time of year.