Childhood obesity is rising in the United States. About 19 out of 100 children ages 2 to 19 are obese, and healthcare providers are seeing more obesity-related problems in children and teens. These include heart and blood vessel disease and Type 2 diabetes starting at a younger age.

Preventing obesity in children is vital because being obese puts them at greater risk for health problems, now and in the future. Young people can become obese from poor eating habits, lack of physical activity and inadequate amounts of sleep. Genes can also affect a child's weight.

Follow these guidelines to help children maintain a healthy weight.

Don’t just focus on a child's weight. Work to change family eating habits and activity levels over time.

Be a role model. Parents who are physically active and eat healthy foods set an example. A child is more likely to do the same.

Encourage physical activity. Children ages 3 to 5 should have active play each day. Children ages 6 to 17 should have at least 60 minutes of medium physical activity most days of the week. More than 60 minutes of activity may help with weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight.

Reduce screen time. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend screen time for children under the ages of 18 to 24 months. AAP recommends a one-hour screen time limit for children ages 2 to 5. And AAP recommends an appropriate parent-monitored media use plan for older children. Do not allow screens in your child's room. Have your child stop using screens at least one hour before bedtime.

Encourage children to eat only when hungry. Tell them to eat slowly. Don't use food as a reward. Don't keep food away from your child as a punishment.

Serve healthy foods and drinks. These include fat-free or low-fat milk, fresh fruit and vegetables. Don't buy soft drinks or snacks that are high in sugar and fat.

Fill half of your child's plate with fruits and vegetables. Recommended serving sizes vary based on age, sex, height, weight and physical activity levels. Go to https://www.myplate.gov/myplate-plan to see your child's personalized diet recommendations.

Encourage your child to drink water instead of drinks with added sugar. Soft drinks, sports drinks and fruit juice drinks may have added sugar.

Promote good sleep with a consistent bedtime routine. Preschoolers need 11 to 13 hours of sleep per day, including naps. Children ages 6 to 12 need nine to 12 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night. And teens ages 13 to 18 need eight to 10 hours.