Childhood Obesity: Tips for Families

Every September, Childhood Obesity Awareness Month reminds us of one of the most pressing health issues affecting kids in the United States today. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1 in 5 children and adolescents—that’s about 14.7 million kids—are affected by obesity in the U.S. 1 This issue doesn’t just impact a child’s physical health; it also affects emotional well-being, self-esteem and long-term quality of life.

Understanding the Roots: More Than Just Diet

While unhealthy eating and lack of exercise are often blamed for childhood obesity, it’s important to understand that genetics can also play a significant role. Take the story of Marcus, a 10-year-old from Ohio. Despite having active parents and a home filled with fruits, vegetables and home-cooked meals, Marcus struggled with weight gain from an early age.

After several visits to a pediatric endocrinologist, Marcus was diagnosed with a genetic condition known as Prader-Willi syndrome, which causes insatiable hunger and low metabolism. His parents were shocked to learn that their son’s weight challenges weren’t a result of parenting choices, but rather something wired into his DNA.

While Marcus’s case is rare, many children inherit traits from their parents that affect how their bodies store fat, how hungry they feel, and how efficiently they burn calories. Studies have shown that if one parent is obese, there’s a 50% chance the child will be too. If both parents are obese, that risk jumps to 80%. 2

But genetics isn’t destiny. Awareness is the first step toward making meaningful changes that empower kids to live healthier lives.

Steps to Set Your Child Up for Success

Whether your child is predisposed to obesity or not, there are proactive steps you can take to help them develop healthy habits that last a lifetime:

1. Model Healthy Behavior

Children mimic what they see. Prioritize balanced meals, regular physical activity and screen-free family time. Make wellness a family affair.

2. Create a Supportive Food Environment

Instead of labeling foods as “good” or “bad,” teach your child about nutrition and the importance of moderation. Stock the kitchen with nourishing options and involve them in meal planning and grocery shopping.

3. Encourage Daily Movement

Physical activity doesn’t have to mean joining a sports team. Dancing, walking the dog, biking, or even gardening can help kids get the recommended 60 minutes of activity a day.

4. Prioritize Sleep

Lack of sleep has been linked to weight gain in children. Establish a calming bedtime routine and aim for 9–12 hours of sleep, depending on age.

5. Check out our Family Wellness Toolkit – more tips, tricks and recipes from our experts!

A Community Effort

Solving childhood obesity isn’t about blame—it’s about awareness, support and action. This September, let’s come together as parents, educators and community members to uplift our children with the tools they need to live healthy, confident lives.

Looking for support on your journey? Connect with our RMAP team for an appointment.