(HealthDay News) — Obesity can increase your child’s risk of cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and prediabetes, says Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

With minor changes, you can help your child maintain a healthy weight.

To help your child safely shed pounds, the hospital encourages parents to:

  • Reduce or eliminate sweetened beverages, including soda.
  • Add more vegetables to family meals.
  • Make sure your family is eating a high-fiber diet.
  • Make sure your child is getting enough sleep.
  • Eat together as a family as often as possible.
  • Be a good role model. Enjoy healthy food in front of your child.
  • Limit your child’s screen time to no more than two hours per day.
  • Encourage your child to be active.
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