Childhood obesity can lead to heart disease later, so check with your pediatrician if your child has a weight problem.

Most weight problems are caused by too little activity and too much unhealthy food. Most overweight children don’t need to go on a diet. They simply need to be encouraged to eat healthier foods and move around more.

Try adopting small—but meaningful— habits that can last a lifetime:

• Instead of restricting how much food your child eats, offer healthy choices naturally low in calories and high in nutrition. Examples include fruits, vegetables and yogurt.
• Plan healthy meals and snacks for the whole family. Study food labels when grocery shopping, and choose items low in fat and high in nutrition.
• Switch from whole to low-fat milk once children reach age 2.
• Set limits on TV and computer time, and encourage your children to be active.
• Insist that all meals and snacks be eaten at the dining table.
• Plan family exercise times. Go for a hike or bike ride together.
• Cut out sugary beverages, such as carbonated sodas, which only provide empty calories. Offer water instead.
• Teach children how to order healthy food at restaurants. For instance, order a salad instead of fries.

What if your child is already obese? These healthy strategies also can help your child lose weight. If your child’s weight problem is severe, a doctor may recommend additional steps, such as restricting calories.