UT Health San Antonio explains how to prevent childhood obesity

September is Childhood Obesity Month, and health experts say about 1 in 5 American children are considered obese. Compared to children with a healthy weight, children who are overweight or obese are at higher risk for other health issues, both physically and mentally.

Dr. Cynthia Cantu, Primary Care Physician at UT Health San Antonio, says there are five ways to help prevent childhood obesity:

• Eat healthy
• Exercise and move more
• Get good sleep
• Slow sugar intake
• Be a role model

Dr. Cantu also recommends you be aware of your child’s growth. To do so, you can use the CDC’s Child and Teen BMI Calculator to screen your child for potential weight issues.

For more information from UT Health San Antonio, click here