If you're concerned about your child's weight, the first step is to talk with your pediatrician, family doctor or registered dietitian. Work with your health care professional to determine whether your child is overweight and to decide the healthiest weight goal. In some cases, the best goal may not be to lose weight but to allow your child to grow into his or her current weight. Your health care professional will help you develop a program to help your child reach a healthy weight goal.

As part of a healthy weight program, parents can help their children reach wellness goals by making healthy changes at home. Weight can be affected by many factors, but environment is often a major component.

Healthy eating and physical activity don't become habits overnight. It takes time and effort to make them part of a daily routine. This guide tells you where to start and what you can do at home to help your child. It talks about the important role of family, realistic goals, nutrition and physical activity. The recommendations in this guide are targeted toward healthy weight for children ages 4-12.