Don't give low-calorie and diet foods to children

If you have a child who's a bit above the ideal weight, resist the urge to give her (or him) low-calorie foods. A new study shows that eating low-calorie foods at an early age may mess up the body's way of associating eating to getting enough calories, leading to a potential overeating disorder in the future - which in turn can cause these children to become obese after reaching adulthood. If a child is eating a plate-full and the body perceives it's not getting enough calories out of it, it will send a signal to the child saying that it needs more food. Later in life, the signal may be already bonded so strongly to the eating habits of the person that it will keep demanding food even after a plate of regular, full-calorie food.

If you're worried about the weight of your child, try offering some healthier foods, like vegetables and fruit, that are satisfying and nutritious. Also, encourage some physical activity, preferably by joining in yourself to keep everyone excited about it.

And just remember that you shouldn't try to fool your child's body with diet and low-calorie foods. You may just achieve that deception, leading to an overeating disorder.