How to Prevent Childhood Obesity

Tips for Raising Happy, Healthy Kids

By Marysa Sheren

With obesity posing a huge threat to children everywhere, kids' nutrition and exercise are becoming a top priority for families. And a healthier kid is a happier kid.

Nutritional research shows that eating habits developed during childhood set the stage for longterm patterns. Parents can positively affect a child’s relationship with food years down the road. Kids also reap whole-life benefits of more energy, better health, and a more stable mood.

I spoke to Sara Folta, Ph.D., a nutrition expert from Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, who helped develop "Shape-Up Somerville," a model for First Lady Michelle Obama’s nationwide initiative to overcome childhood obesity, “Let’s Move.”

Read these tips on how families can make healthy lifestyle choices that are both realistic and fun.

Marysa Sheren is a student at Tufts Unviersity and a Beliefnet intern.