How to prevent obesity in your child

The incidence of childhood obesity has more than doubled in the past two decades, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Yahoo! News).

Noting that healthy eating habits begin at home, the American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to prevent the problem:

1. Don't force him to eat when he isn't hungry -- he shouldn't have to clean his plate if he's already full.


2. Don't use food as a reward, or as a comfort when he's upset.


3. Feed your child a healthy, balanced diet -- one that includes fast food no more than once a week.


4. Limit your child's TV watching and encourage physical activity, like playing outside. Offer to play outside with your child.


5. Encourage your child to get regular exercise, so that he continues to exercise into adulthood.