Overweight children may need special help in exercising more while eating nutritious foods with adequate but not too many calories. These must be eaten in limited amounts because too much fat provides excess calories and promotes obesity and elevated cholesterol levels. Excessive saturated fat raises blood cholesterol levels and can lead to blockages in the arteries. Cholesterol in foods also can contribute to increased levels of blood cholesterol in some people. Fat should NOT be limited for children under two years of age because they need it for normal growth.
Sugar provides calories, but limited nutrients.
Sugar remaining on the teeth contributes to tooth decay. Sugar eaten at meals is less harmful to teeth than when eaten between meals. Summary Use the Food Guide Pyramid to help you eat better every day, the Dietary Guidelines way. Each of these food groups provides some, but not all, of the nutrients you need. Go easy on fats, oils and sweets, the foods in the small tip of the Pyramid.