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Children who are obese are at risk for a wide range of health problems. Diseases that used to only occur in adults are now appearing in children. Obese children and adolescents have shown an alarming increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes and many have high cholesterol and blood pressure levels, which put them at greater risk for heart disease. One of the most severe problems for obese children is sleep apnea, which can lead to problems with learning and memory. Overweight children also have a high incidence of orthopedic problems, liver disease and asthma.

Although there are many factors that contribute to obesity, the main culprits are the same as those for adult obesity: lack of exercise and the foods we eat. As the most influential role models for their children, parents play an important role in preventing childhood obesity. Teaching healthy lifestyle habits involving physical activity and nutrition are the best ways to stop children and adolescents from becoming overweight.

Eating the right foods should be a priority. "Kids need food for growth and development, and if kids are eating healthy, they will have more energy, and will be more inclined to get outside and play," says Tony Plotkin of Grainaissance, a natural foods company.

A particular challenge for parents is finding snacks that their kids will enjoy in place of all of those high-fat cookies and chips. "Parents are looking for healthful snacks for their kids, a tough search given the sugar, fat, and calories so many snacks pack in. A snack that solves that problem is welcome indeed," says Neal Barnard, M.D., president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

Here are some suggestions for parents from the NIH and Grainaissance on how to help your children maintain a healthy diet:

* Eat meals together as a family and not in front of the television. Encourage your kids to eat slowly and savor the food.

* Keep healthy snacks on hand such as fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen fruit juice bars and low-fat cookies such as graham crackers. Something many parents may not be familiar with is a nutritious bake and serve rice puff called Mochi (moh-chee). Made from organic, whole grain brown rice without any animal-derived ingredients, additives, preservatives or colorings, Mochi is also cholesterol-free, wheat-free and gluten-free.

"There are growing numbers of children who have gluten or dairy intolerances," says Elaine Monarch, executive director of The Celiac Disease Foundation. "Mochi is a healthy snack that kids really like and even those on restrictive diets can eat it."

Mochi is low in sodium, fat and calories. It's also fun to make. "Kids will enjoy watching these snacks puff up in the toaster oven," says Monarch. Mochi is available in a variety of flavors including Raisin-Cinnamon, Pizza and Chocolate Brownie.

* Don't use food as a reward or punishment. Children should not be placed on restrictive diets, unless done so by a doctor.

* Involve your children in meal planning and grocery shopping. This helps them learn how to make good choices.

* Focus on small, gradual changes in eating. This helps create habits that will last a lifetime.