Do not allow your child or young teenager to diet or lose weight without the consent of their local doctor.  In to days diet/health conscious world children as young as seven are worried or concerned about getting fat.  Magazines are full of models and movie stars all showing fabulous figures and children want to look like their favourite personalities.  What parents can do is to ensure their children at an early age learn about healthy eating, exercise and the consequences of dieting without the correct advice.  Raise their self-esteem and let them know that we are all build differently and not everyone looks like, what the media would has us believe is the perfect body.

Children whose parents are overweight are in danger of mirroring them and becoming overweight themselves.  Weight problems may run in families but not all children with obesity in their family will be overweight.  Genetic factors do play a role in weight gain but so too do bad eating habits.  Lack of exercise with the family is another key factor in child obesity.

Children's activity levels play an important part in determining weight.  Television, computer and video games also contribute to inactivity - inactivity unfortunately leads to weight gain.  Try and limit the amount of time your child spends in front of the television, on their computer or playing video games.

Encourage your child to join in after school activities.  Walk them to the local park or take them swimming after school.  Try and keep them occupied.  Bored children with nothing interesting to do will sit in front of the television and pig out on rubbish or junk food.  Walking is one of the best forms of exercise there is and it is free.  Encourage your family to walk.  Visit one of the many nature walks in your area, or take a bike ride.  Most parks have cycle paths and are safe for children and parents to ride on.