Prevention must start early in childhood, ideally with healthy habits ingrained by age 5. Behavior and attitude changes are essential. So is peer and family support. New technology is supporting prevention in several ways. Support groups, long considered important in weight loss, now operate as electronic forums.
Software programs enable users to plan menus and track nutrition and physical activity.
Multimedia interactive programs engage children and adults in learning about nutrition and physical activity. The challenge is getting consumers to use that information to change their lifestyles and get out of the fat lane. In The Literature , Activities , Meetings , Etcetera .