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Parents: Help your children develop healthy eating habits

The latest estimates say as many as 20 percent to 30 percent of children are overweight. Research continues to indicate that helping children make healthful changes in their eating and lifestyle habits requires coordinated efforts of families, communities and schools.

A study published in a recent issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine looked at physical activity and eating behaviors of middle school children. The researchers divided kids into a control and an intervention group where kids were offered physical education classes, supervised after-school activities and opportunities to select healthier foods.

The results showed that boys are more likely than girls to increase their levels of physical activity compared to girls. But neither boys nor girls significantly improved their eating habits.

The study shows the importance of community and school involvement, but parents still play the primary role in developing and modifying their children’s eating behaviors.

Produced by ADA’s Public Relations Team

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