• The current epidemic in overweight and obesity within the United States is among the fastest growing public health concerns.
• Some of the most dramatic increases in the number of overweight and obese are being observed among preschool-aged children, where the prevalence of obesity has more than doubled in the past 30 years (CSREES, 2005).
• Obesity requires multiple interventions to promote, encourage, and support healthier food choices and increased physical activity that will result in the achievement of a healthier body weight and a reduced risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cardio-vascular disease.
• Although there are many causes, eating and exercise behaviors are primary predictors of an individual’s risk for obesity. Those habits are learned and established at an early age, making the early childhood years an opportune time for primary prevention of obesity.

Dietary habits of young children - >