You can use the Body Mass Index Calculator for Children (see Related Links) to determine whether your child is overweight. Simply enter your child's age, height and current weight.

If your child has excessive fat around the stomach and chest areas it is safe to assume that he or she is overweight. Please note that, depending on their age, moderately overweight children should need only to maintain their weight for a period of time as they will "grow" into their weight.

Approaching your child about his or her weight is a difficult exercise in testing the water. Many parents fear that, if they mention the word "diet", they set their child on a path to an eating disorder or permanently damage their child's self-esteem.

Another problem is that many parents themselves are in denial as to the extent of their own weight or health problems and unintentionally pass these problems on to their children.

Leading by example is central to helping your child overcome a weight problem. For example, a child who is forced to eat fruit while her parents eat cake will only feel excluded and resentful. According to dietitian Allan Borushek, "Tackling weight issues is a family affair. The whole family should be encouraged to partake in a healthy diet and an active lifestyle."

Allan Borushek suggests the following starting points for parents to initiate with their children:

1. Keep an eye on soda intake. Limit soda to one serving on the weekends; soda should not be an everyday beverage. Try water instead. When visiting a soda fountain or fast-food restaurant, make sure that your child has a small serving of soda with ice. Diet sodas are also a great alternative.
   
   
2. Keep an eye on your child's snacks. Some children snack constantly throughout the day, spoiling their appetites for main meals and adding excess calories. Snacking is commonly perceived as "healthy" yet many snack foods are high in fat and calories.
   
   
3. Limit fast-food meals and eating out. Lots more calories are consumed with away-from-home meals. Fast, convenient and healthy meals can be prepared at home.
   
   
4. Encourage kids to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables. Make them the only alternative available for snacks and include plenty with meals. However, watch the intake of fruit juice which can be a source of excess calories.
   
   
5. Exercise. Increase physical activity for the whole family. Encourage an active lifestyle. Make exercise a fun, family affair. Try a bike ride, a day at the beach or visit a local park. Team sports are also a great opportunity for kids.