“How do you fight childhood obesity?”

It starts with what we eat and setting a good example of what foods we eat as parents as well. I am a big believer in not asking our children to do something we are not willing to do. It is important with children to be careful with candy, chips, pasta, wheat bread, etc. They should eat meat, green vegetables and keep the fruit to raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and avocado. The other fruit has too much sugar in it. You can also work with a bariatrician in your area to help. To find a trained bariatrician go to: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ and you can have a professional work along side you. I have treated thousands of children/adolescents in my career and it is a pure joy to see them get healthy and feel good about themselves during this critical time of life where self-esteem is developed.

The recommendations are simple. Following through is hard. Basically you want to encourage your daughter to eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables every day. Limit sugary beverages to special treat. Help her learn to drink 32 ounces of water a day and more when she is exercising. Help her minimize sedentary behavior (tv, video games) encourage her to walk as many steps as possible a day. Try to get her involved in activities that will keep her active and engaged so she doesn't eat out of boredom. Prepare food at home avoid fast food. Put food on her plate for her so you can monitor portions. You can find lots more helpful information at HealthyChildren.org