Also Available From the American Academy of Pediatrics
ADHD: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Allergies and Asthma: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Autism Spectrum Disorders: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Kids Roots and Wings
Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5
Food Fights: Winning the Nutritional Challenges of Parenthood Armed With Insight, Humor, and a Bottle of Ketchup
My Child Is Sick! Expert Advice for Managing Common Illnesses and Injuries
Nutrition: What Every Parent Needs to Know
The Picky Eater Project: 6 Weeks to Happier, Healthier Family Mealtimes
Raising Kids to Thrive: Balancing Love With Expectations and Protection With Trust
Retro Toddler: More Than 100 Old-School Activities to Boost Development
Sleep: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Sports Success Rx! Your Childs Prescription for the Best Experience
For additional parenting resources, visit the HealthyChildren bookstore at
shop.aap.org/for-parents.
This book is also available in Spanish.
American Academy of Pediatrics Publishing Staff
Mark Grimes, Vice President, Publishing
Kathryn Sparks, Manager, Consumer Publishing
Holly Kaminski, Editor, Consumer Publishing
Shannan Martin, Production Manager, Consumer Publications
Jason Crase, Manager, Editorial Services
Linda Diamond, Manager, Art Direction and Production
Mary Lou White, Chief Product and Services Officer/SVP, Membership, Marketing, and Publishing
Sara Hoerdeman, Marketing Manager, Consumer Products
Published by the American Academy of Pediatrics
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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 66,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.
The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
Statements and opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Products and Web sites are mentioned for informational purposes only and do not imply an endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP is not responsible for the content of external resources.
Information was current at the time of publication.
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This publication has been developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The contributors are expert authorities in the field of pediatrics. No commercial involvement of any kind has been solicited or accepted in development of the content of this publication. Disclosures: The author reports no disclosures.
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2018 American Academy of Pediatrics
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwisewithout prior permission from the publisher (locate title at ).
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CB0103
EPUB: 978-1-61002-156-2
Cover design by R. Scott Rattray
Book design by Linda Diamond
Library of Congress Control Number: 2017941931
What People Are Saying
Dr Sandy Hassink is one of the most thoughtful clinicians of our time. She has led the fight to ease the epidemic of childhood obesity. Her insights and knowledge are easily communicated in this book written to help parents understand the factors at play and their roles in helping children to live healthier, happier lives. This is a must read for parents, other adults who are in childrens lives, and pediatricians. The book is mindful, intentional, and empowering.
Diane J. Abatemarco, PhD, MSW
Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Pediatrics; Vice Chair of Research; and Director of Maternal Addiction Treatment, Education and Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University
This is an honest and open book for parents about how to tackle an epidemic problem: childhood obesity. Dr Hassink draws from her world-renowned expertise to write an easy, readable book that helps parents find simple ways to modify their lifestyles and make sure their kids have a healthy future. Im excited about this book, especially knowing what insightful information Dr Hassink brings to the table. I hope any parent who is focused on health and nutrition for their child reads this!
Hansa Bhargava, MD
Senior Medical Director, WebMD
Dr Hassink is a terrific clinician highly experienced in treating families with obesity. Achieving a Healthy Weight for Your Child: An Action Plan for Families reflects her experience and provides practical age-specific advice for families concerned about their childs weight and struggling to do the right thing.
William H. Dietz, MD, PhD
Chair, Summer M. Redstone Global Center for Prevention and Wellness, George Washington University
Parents are their childs first and most influential role model, protector, teacher, and cheerleader. With this book, Dr Hassink draws on her years of experience to provide parents with the knowledge they need and practical tools they can use to actively improve their childs and familys health. Parents are empowered to reframe nutrition and activity choices as health decisions, embrace becoming agents of change, and sensibly address challenges along the journey to raise healthy kids!
Sarah Hampl, MD, FAAP
General Pediatrician and Professor of Pediatrics, Childrens Mercy Kansas City Center for Childrens Healthy Lifestyles & Nutrition, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine
Dr Hassink is uniquely suited to be the spokesperson for a comprehensive approach to overweight and obesity. This book can be used as a reference, or it may be read cover to cover with many helpful tips for caretakers of children and teens.