Notes

The longer babies are breastfed, the less likely they are to become overweight as they grow older. Breastfed babies are 15 to 25 percent less likely to become overweight. For those who are breastfed for six months or longer, the likelihood is 20 to 40 percent less.

Young people generally become overweight or obese because they don't get enough physical activity in combination with poor eating habits. Genetics and lifestyle also contribute to a child's weight status.

There are a number of steps you can take to help prevent overweight and obesity during childhood and adolescence. (They'll help you, too!) They include:

Gradually work to change family eating habits and activity levels rather than focusing on weight. Change the habits and the weight will take care of itself.
Be a role model. Parents who eat healthy foods and are physically activity set an example that increases the likelihood their children will do the same.
Encourage physical activity. Children should have an hour of moderate physical activity most days of the week. More than an hour of activity may promote weight loss and subsequent maintenance.
Reduce time in front of the TV and computer to less than two hours a day.
Encourage children to eat only when hungry, and to eat slowly.
Avoid using food as a reward or withholding food as a punishment.
Keep the refrigerator stocked with fat-free or low-fat milk and fresh fruit and vegetables instead of soft drinks and snacks high in sugar and fat.
Serve at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
Encourage children to drink water rather than beverages with added sugar, such as soft drinks, sports drinks and fruit juice drinks.