There are many factors which contribute to obesity; however, there also many practical steps you can take toward preventing obesity.

- Reduce TV watching hours.

- Be a role model.

- Get involved.

- Create healthy eating envirnment.

preventing obesity requires vigilance on behalf of parents and guardians; children are not being exposed to just one determining factor, but rather several factors which must be closely monitored. Often this requires attention not only to small details, but to lifestyle and personal habits as a whole.
                  






                  
Reduce TV watching hours.

The average child will watch approximately four hours of TV each day, therefore becoming vulnerable to information which sets itself up against their health. Though television may seem like a safe, cost efficient, and immediately convenient way of occupying children, the long term health consequences can be severe. As well, children are indulging in unhealthy salty and sweet foods with high fructose and palm oil- both of which have severe health consequences as well.
                  


                  
Be a role model.

If you are concerned that you may be limiting your child's freedom by dictating which foods they should eat or how they should spend their time, your best alternative is to lead by example and be a good role model. This may mean that you yourself should cut down on time in front of the television, or that you should engage in exercise more often.
                  


                  
Get Involved.

It is also important to realize that conflicting ideas do not always need to end with bitter disagreement; it is a disappointing trend that parents and guardians are shrinking away from confronting children about important issues, and their failure to do so results in subsequent health consequences. There are many ways to become involved in your child's life, and to do so in a positive and encouraging manner. The best measures are often preventative, however parents and guardians should not give up if they notice children yielding to bad habits. For example, it is a myth that our biological bodies intrinsically know when they are ˇ®full:' because young children need to learn from external cues, it is therefore very important that parents and guardians enforce good and healthy habits.
                  


                  
Create healty eating environment.

In addition, though many food options are financially tempting, it is important that parents and guardians do not fall victim to the ˇ®pass the buck syndrome.' Diet should be carefully monitored, especially those served as fast food or in cafeterias. What little may be saved by purchasing inexpensive yet unhealthy food will most likely be lost in the long term consequences of such a diet. Once again, role modeling is very important, as is distinguishing between good information and marketing ploys. For example, artificial sweeteners may sound less intimidating, yet they still pose tangible health risks.