Self-Help Resources

Weight management information is organized here, with links to additional resources.

Fact Sheets and Handouts

YMCA Military Outreach Initiative
The Armed Services YMCA and Department of Defense Outreach Initiative offers YMCA memberships to eligible military families and personnel who may not have access to a nearby military facility.

Healthy Children, Healthy Choices
Centers for Disease Control
Quick tips for parents to help you choose healthy and inexpensive foods for your family’s health. Includes information on TV time, portion sizes, and picky eaters.

Tips for Families on Eating Right and Exercise
U.S. Department of Agriculture
The food pyramid is explained for children, with and eating and physical activity tips for parents.

Tips for Healthy Eating Habits
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Suggestions for eating a healthier diet. Includes tips on how to eat more whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and calcium-rich foods, along with ideas for eating out. 

Time for Kids
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The VERB campaign is an engaging program created to help generate excitement   for kids to get physically active. Guidelines and tips for parents to help make family time active time with a variety of examples.

What’s the Right Weight for Me
An excellent resource to help children learn what’s right for them, and to become aware that People come in all different shapes and sizes, and the best weight is based on individual body type and size.

Food & Nutrition
What's the right weight for your height? How can you eat well in the cafeteria? Should you go on a diet? Teens get the answers to these questions and more.

When to Seek Help for Your Child

Books and Workbooks

Caring for Your School-Age Child
American Academy of Pediatrics
This edition for school aged children offers up-to-date information on nutrition, physical fitness and sports participation. 

A Guide to Your Child’s Nutrition
American Academy of Pediatrics
A complete reference guide on nutrition for children.

Your Child’s Weight: Helping Without Harming
E. Satter
This book presents a new look at how restricting a child’s food intake can backfire and actually lead to preoccupation with food and weight gain.  A very useful division of responsibility for parents and children is presented.

Secrets of Feeding a Healthy Family
E. Satter
This book presents a philosophy of moderation rather than strict dieting and physical activity regimens. The author focuses on teaching parents how to develop healthy feeding habits and strong family relationships. 

Websites

Food Guide Pyramid for Kids
A children’s version of the food pyramid from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

BAM! Body and Mind
A resource for kids to get their weight and related health questions answered.

We Can! Ways to Enhance Children’s Activity and Nutrition
A national education campaign designed to help children, ages 8 to 13 maintain a healthy weight.

KidsHealth
Provides information specifically designed for young people and parents about a variety of self-care issues. You can find information about exercise, fitness and staying healthy by using the search tool.

Hooah4family
This military oriented site addresses self-care topics for kids, teens, and parents.

The Five Facts Every Family Needs to Know to Get Fit and Healthy
An interactive program, individually tailored with practical and fun ways for parents and children to adopt a healthier lifestyle with menu ideas, an activity calendar, and more. 

Military OneSource
Self-care information relevant for a military audience is posted under "Children’s Health."

Veteran and Military Family Health
U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health