When a doctor asks questions about your child's eating and activity habits, the information helps identify patterns that may lead to extra weight.
Nutrition history
You may be asked:
- To describe your family's meals and snacks in a typical day.
- What your child eats at school.
- Who is responsible for meals. Is it the parent, a relative, or another caregiver?
- How often a child or teen eats away from home, such as at school, in restaurants, or at friends' homes.
Physical activity
You may be asked whether your child:
- Participates in physical activities at school or after school.
- Rides or walks to school.
- Plays actively with friends.
- Participates in organized sports.
- Helps with yard work, housework, or has other chores.
- Spends a lot of time watching television, playing computer or video games, or reading.
- Has a safe place to play outdoors.
- Is under adult supervision when playing.
Credits
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Joanne P. Ikeda, MA, RD - Nutrition Education Specialist and Lecturer |
| Last Updated | September 13, 2007 |



