With one obese parent, 64 percent of overweight children will become obese. With two obese parents,

With one obese parent, 64 percent of overweight children will become obese. With two obese parents, 79 percent of overweight children will become obese.

DO

Read labels when grocery shopping. Don’t buy any food that has more than 5 grams of sugar or 3 grams of fat per serving.

Pack lunches and snacks containing healthful foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables, low-fat cheese and yogurt for school.

Limit television and computer and electronic game time and replace it with physical activity. The average kid spends three hours a day watching television and on the computer.

Cook more at home. A significant number of children do most of their eatng at fast-food places.

Cut down on the amount of fried foods, fast foods and sugar-containing drinks. Drink more water and calorie-free drinks.

DON’T

Keep temptation foods, such as potato chips, donuts and cookies, in the house.

Isolate the overweight child. Make healthful eating and living a family affair. Exercise, too, should be family centered.

Sources: Drs. Stephanie B. Dewar, Vincent W. Vanek, Lawrence Frisch, and Dr. M. Shayesteh, PhD.