Q. My son is only six, but he is getting a little pudgy. Is it too early to worry about his weight? What should we be doing so

A: First, realize that you are not alone. It’s hard these days to not be aware that childhood obesity is a significant health problem across the United States. Rarely is the source of obesity due to a “glandular” or other physical cause.

The causes of childhood obesity are multifactoral, but to start rectifying the growing problem of a child’s increasing weight, several simple steps can be taken:

1. Encourage your child to be physically active.

It is not important that he or she participate in a team sport if they don’t enjoy those activities. Individual, non-competitive activities such as jumping rope, jogging, dancing, or even walking on a regular basis will be sufficient. Walking can be part of a family activity with mom, dad, or other siblings.

2. Cut down on “liquid sugar.”

Eliminate or drastically decrease the frequency and size of sodas and juices. Four- to six-ounces of juice a day is plenty as most juices are vitamin low and calorie high.

3. Limit “screen time.”

Try for 1-1 ½ hours per day with no snacks allowed while watching TV or being on the computer. It is well documented that some of the extra time freed up by decreasing screen time will result in some increased physical activity.

4. Limit fast foods.

Restrict these foods as much as possible and never “supersize.” The increase in calories with supersizing is tremendous. Try asking fast-food places to hold the mayo and special sauces to reduce caloric intake.

5. Calculate a BMI.

At your child’s next medical visit, ask the doctor to determine your child’s Body Mass Index (BMI). The BMI level can help identify obesity and also predict increased risks for future problems such as Type II Diabetes.

These are some of the things you can do as a parent for your child’s welfare. They are all free and they are all effective.

Kenneth R. Keer, M.D., is a board certified pediatrician who has been practicing medicine in Southern California for more than 35 years. The information provided in his columns is general information that is not intended as individual advice for a particular child. Please consult your own pediatrician for advice on treating your child. To send questions to Dr. Keer, write to drkeer@familymanonline.com.