Create a positive body image for your child

Talk positively about your own body image. Limit the amount of fashion magazines your child sees. Never tell your child that she looks fat, heavy or overweight.

Children at a young age can develop weight concerns. This can lead to a serious eating disorder like bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa or binge eating.

A person with an eating disorder will eat and throw up, take laxatives or diuretics, exercise excessively or barely eat each day. Eating disorders affect more girls than boys and can lead to death.

If you think your child is overweight, start her on a healthful diet and get her to exercise.

Talk with your health care provider if you are concerned about your child's weight.