Preventing Childhood Obesity

This list contains a variety of resources which can aid teachers, parents, and caregivers in the prevention of obesity in young children.
IEL Resources
- Tip Sheets:
- Q&A: Development in Young Children
- Blog: Pass the Ball Versus Pass the Remote: Supporting Preschoolers’ Physical Activity
Web Resources
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Childhood Overweight & Obesity
Source: Centers on Disease Control (CDC)
Obesity now affects 1 in 5 children and adolescents in the United States. This resource provides a Child and Teen BMI calculator, childhood obesity facts, and causes and consequences of obesity.
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Fitness and Your 3- to 5-Year-Old
Source: KidsHealth
This website suggests ways that parents can encourage children to participate in physical activities to promote good health.
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Growth and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
Source: KidsHealth
This page provides information on typical growth patterns for 1-2 year old children, including when to be concerned.
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Growth and Your 1- to 3-Month-Old
Source: KidsHealth
This page provides information on typical growth patterns for 1 month old children, including when to be concerned.
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Growth and Your 4- to 7-Month-Old
Source: KidsHealth
This page provides information on typical growth patterns for 4-7 month old children, including when to be concerned.
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Growth and Your 8- to 12-Month-Old
Source: KidsHealth
This page addresses growth of 8-12 month old children, including normal growth and weight patterns.
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Growth Charts
Source: KidsHealth
This page provides information of using growth charts and why they are used by doctors.
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Healthy Kids, Healthy Future
Source: Healthy Kids, Healthy Future
This website provides information about a nationwide call-to-action that empowers child care and early education providers to make positive health changes in children that could last a lifetime.
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Helping Your Child: Tips for Parents
Source: The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Health Information Center
Parents can find tips on encouraging healthy eating and exercise habits in their families. on this Weight-Control Information Network website.
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How to Handle Picky Eaters
Source: Zero to Three
Do you know a “picky eater”? “Picky” eating is when a child refuses foods often or eats the same foods over and over. Here’s what to do and what not to do with your picky eater.
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Listening to Families and Communities to Address Childhood Obesity
Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF)
This blog gives an overview of the impact of childhood obesity and how early life experiences shape health. The authors provides a potential solution in addressing adverse neighborhood conditions.
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A Moving Child Is a Learning Child
(also in Spanish)Source: Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse
This resources provides some ideas to help caregivers encourage more movement in infants and toddlers’ daily activities and routines
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MyPlate at Home
(also in Spanish)Source: My Plate: U.S. Department of Agriculture
This parent handout, from A Yummy Curriculum, offers fun and easy tips for building healthier family meals that include the five food groups.
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Recipes for Kids
Source: KidsHealth
Letting children help with food and meal preparation is a great way to encourage them to try new foods and think about nutrition. This website includes recipes for children with special health concerns, such as diabetes.
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The Epidemic of Childhood Obesity: Review of Research and Implications for Public Policy
Source: Society for Research in Child Development
This report reviews medical and psychosocial risks associated with obesity in children, reviews prevention and intervention efforts, and makes recommendations based on the research conclusions.
About this resource
Setting(s) for which the article is intended:- Child Care Center
- Family Child Care
- Home
- Preschool Program
Intended audience(s):
- Parents / Family
- Teachers / Service providers
Age Levels (the age of the children to whom the article applies):
Related Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards: