Nutrition for Children

Children need enough food for proper growth, but too many calories and too little physical activity lead to overweight. The number of overweight children in the United States has risen dramatically in recent years, prompting the previous Surgeon General, Dr. David Satcher, to label the rise an "epidemic." In December 2001, then Surgeon General Dr. Satcher announced a year-long effort to develop a national action plan for reducing the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the United States.

Encourage a healthy weight by offering children grain products; vegetables and fruits; low-fat dairy products; and beans, lean meat, poultry, fish, or nuts - and let them see you enjoy eating the same foods. (Caution: nuts may cause choking in young children.) Allow the child to decide how much of these foods to eat. Offer only small amounts of food high in fat or added sugars. Encourage children to take part in vigorous activities and join them whenever possible. Limit the time they spend in sedentary activities, such as watching television, or playing computer or video games.

Help children develop healthy eating habits. Since children still need to grow, weight loss is not recommended unless guided by a health care provider. Missourians may request literature related to specific child nutrition issues from the Division of Community Health, Nutrition Policy and Education Unit. Some limits apply; out-of-state residents may request one copy.