The basic rule for prevent obesity is to “Exercise more, eat healthy and get enough sleep.” The ideal children or youth weight control plan should stress the maintenance of normal height growth, safe metabolism, preservation of muscles and tissues, reduce perception of hunger, and will not trigger psychological problems. Hence children or youth weight control plan should at least include the following four parts: Food, sports, and behavioral correction, parents, and friend participation.

For children and youth slightly overweight and normal weight, the following principles of treatment are based on recommendations by medical research verification to prevent the occurrence or deterioration of obesity : 

As for diet, eating out in fast food restaurant could be a risk factor for children obesity and hence the whole family could cut down the number of times eating at restaurants offering food high in calories or large portions ( or restaurants offering buffet ).Experts suggest that although there is not a direct support for the relation between obesity and watching TV or playing computer games, watching TV, playing computer games, computer, and mobile phones are become part of children’s or youths’ life. It is also the main reason for still lifestyle and hence the restriction of time for watching the monitor and encourage children to go to outdoor activities will consume more energy in children. 

Moreover, parents should encourage children to eat at home because home cooking usually contains high-quality food that will less likely cause obesity as well as the psychological and social advantages such as “happiness.”

Parents shall pay attention to the nutrient label when purchasing food and note the daily nutrient intake percentage provided by the average nutrient labeling is based on adults. Each package could contain more than one portion. As for the proper amount of fruit and vegetable, refer to the daily recommended diet of two types of fruit and 3 dishes of vegetable according to the Department of Health and Welfare. The portion can be adjusted by age. 

Lack of sleep linked to obesity: A study of children aged 2.5 to 6 years found that those who slept < 11 hours per day were 2.9 times more likely to be obese than those who slept ≥ 11 hours per day.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine's 2016 recommendations for sleep hours per day for children over 4 months.

• 4-12 months: 12-16 hours of sleep per day, including naps at unconventional sleep times.
• 1-2 years: 11-14 hours of sleep per day, including naps at unconventional sleep times.
• 3-5 years: Get 10-13 hours of sleep per day, including naps at unconventional sleep times.
• 6-12 years: 9-12 hours of sleep per day.
• 13-18 years: 8-10 hours of sleep per day.

Notes:

1. Screen time suggestions:

• < 18 months: Do not watch any screen .
• 18-24 months: Parents may consider choosing high-quality programs or mobile apps to watch with their children.
• > 2 years old: Watch no more than 1 hour of high-quality programs a day. It is recommended that parents also watch these programs to increase parent-child interaction.

2. Sugary beverages have negative health effects, which children should avoid it, including soft drinks, iced tea, sports drinks, juices, etc. The best source of fluid for children is water.
3. Encourage overweight or obese children to eat low-calorie, high-nutrient-dense foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, low-fat fish, and beans.
4. Engage in physical activity and establish an active lifestyle. Doing at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-severe physical activity a day can prevent obesity and have many health side effects. Physical activity includes not only exercise, but also walking, hiking, biking, outdoor games and activities, bowling, roller activities, dog walking, and more. Physical activity programs in schools reduce childhood obesity.
5. Avoid eating high-calorie-dense foods, such as high-fat meat, fried foods, barbecued foods, sweets, cheese, oil seasonings, etc., to prevent obesity.