Creating Healthy Habits to Prevent Childhood Obesity
9/29/2025
September is National Childhood Obesity Month, a time to raise awareness about a condition that impacts about one in five children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Joseph Novak, IV, MD, Pediatrician with Aspirus Health, says the issue of childhood obesity is complex and requires a supportive, whole-family approach.
“This is really a multifaceted issue,” Dr. Novak explained. “It can be influenced by genetics, the environment, family eating habits, fast food availability, and even medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or diabetes. Mental health, screen time, and reduced activity also play a role.”
Childhood obesity is diagnosed using body mass index (BMI), which measures weight relative to height. Children whose BMI is greater than the 95th percentile for their age are considered obese.
Dr. Novak emphasizes that conversations about weight should focus on health, not blame.
“First and foremost, this is not an issue of shaming,” Dr. Novak said. “It’s about setting kids up with a toolkit for making healthy decisions later in life. Small steps and family involvement can make a big difference.”
Healthy Habits for Families
Dr. Novak suggests families start with small, sustainable steps such as:
- Build colorful plates. Offer a rainbow variety of fruits and vegetables.
- Cook together. Involving kids in meal prep can make them proud of their choices and more likely to try new foods.
- Prioritize family meals. Sitting down at the table together reinforces healthy routines.
- Limit fast food and sugary drinks. Reducing even one or two fast food meals per week helps.
- Promote daily movement. Aim for at least 60 minutes of activity every day, whether it’s playing outside, walking, or going to a park.
- Reduce screen time. Encourage more time for active play.
Dr. Novak adds that families should partner with their pediatrician to ensure children receive appropriate care. In some cases, additional testing may uncover medical issues that contribute to weight gain, and new FDA-approved treatment options are available for adolescents when lifestyle changes alone are not enough.
“One big takeaway is that we are creating healthy habits now to help create healthy adults,” Dr. Novak said. “This is about building a foundation that supports children and future generations.”
If you have concerns about your child’s weight or growth, talk with your Aspirus Health pediatrician. Early support can help create lifelong healthy habits. Visit aspirus.org/find-a-provider or call 800-847-4707 to find a provider near you.
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