Behavior Warning Markers: Is Your Child at Risk for Obesity?
by Angela Scott


Dr. Judith Weber of the Delta Girls project recommends parents check the following behavior signs to determine whether their child is engaged in behaviors that might lead to overweight:

1. Excessive TV, computer and/or video game usage (greater than 2 hours per day.

2. Too large portion sizes of foods at any meal

3. Excessive high fat and/or high sugar food choices

4. Lack of activities that result in a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day

5. Too frequent snacking in addition to regular meals (however, healthy snacking in conjunction with smaller, nutritious meals is desirable).


Angela D. Scott lives in the Los Angeles area and is the Special Sections Editor for the Southwest Region of United Parenting Publications. This professional writer is a single mother of two daughters, Shani and Samara.


February 16, 2004