Pediatricians could start by educating parents about healthy diets for children that do not include chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese or pizza. Toddlers are overweight because of what they are fed. I know that there are children who are picky eaters, but parents that don't eat healthy either don't help. There are tons of website where you can find healthy and fast meal ideas for families. There is no excuse for toddlers to be obese. Feeding kids fried garbage and sugar laden sodas is terrible, but people do it because it's easy. Also, kids who don't learn healthy eating habits young turn into obese and unhealthy adults.

Sadly, I am the parent of, according to this article, an obese toddler. We have seen the same group of doctors since he was born and not once was it ever said that I should be concerned about his weight. After I lost my job, we qualified for WIC. The first appointment we went to after he turned 2, it was said that my son was overweight. And at first I couldn't believe it, (this obese lady talking about my childs weight)-to me he looked perfectly normal and as said before by his doctor 'large (as in also very tall) for his age.

Three months later...same conversation...my 2 year old is 'fat'. This time I went to see his doctor. And although he agreed that my son was 'above normal' in BMI, my son is very active and we discussed changing to 1% milk, and more fruits and veggies, etc etc etc.

I mean if you have the means to afford the best-don't settle.

The one statement that still stands out is a comment that the WIC worker made "Since you qualify for this program, that means you (meaning my son) are high risk. And I have to make sure we monitor his growth progress."

Really, I'm high risk...yeah we quailfy...but it still doesnt mean I can afford what you think I should feed him.