P ortion sizes have gotten larger. Television and video games replace play as activity. Tasks that used to require physical activity have been mechanized. Instead of climbing stairs, we use elevators. Instead of walking, we drive or ride in motor vehicles.
Schools are less likely to require or offer physical education classes.
Offer healthy foods at regular meal and snack times and include lots of fruits and vegetables. Sit down to a family meal once a day. To avoid distractions while eating, turn off the television and keep toys away from children until after the meal. The key to being physically active is to find something that you and your children enjoy and to slowly make it a regular part of your life. Treatment of preadolescent obesity appears to be most successful when it is started during the preschool years and includes frequent clinic visits.