Healthy Weight Center

Healthy Behaviors - the Earlier the Better

Did you know that adopting healthy behaviors early in life may be easier than changing unhealthy habits later in life?

Obese children and teens have a higher risk of developing health problems associated with cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes, than others in their age groups who are not obese. Obese children also are more likely to be obese as adults.

Healthy behaviors instilled in childhood are often carried forward into adulthood. The following resources will help you take action now to ensure that your child has a strong foundation for a healthy lifetime!

Photo by Jodi Kurtland

Resources for parents:

Age-appropriate Diet for Children
Dietary Recommendations for Children
Healthy Eating for Infants & Toddlers (USDA)
Healthy Eating for Preschool & Elementary Kids (USDA)
Healthy Eating for Special Needs Kids (USDA)
Helping Your Overweight Child
Is Dieting OK for Kids? (Nemours)
Let's Move! (America's Move to Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids)
The Healthy Fridge
To Prevent Childhood Obesity, Avoid Pitfalls of American Lifestyle
We Can! (Ways to Enhance Children's Activity & Nutrition)

Resources for your child:

Resources for your teen:

For more information:

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This article is a NetWellness exclusive.

Last Reviewed: Sep 06, 2012

Phyllis L Pirie, PhD
Professor of Health Behaviors & Health Promotion
College of Public Health
The Ohio State University