Obesity in childhood causes a wide range of serious complications, and increases the risk of premature illness and death later in life, raising public-health concerns. Management of obesity, especially in the young growing child (below 7 years of age) should focus on weight maintenance rather than weight reduction. General practitioners are well-positioned to aid in prevention and treatment efforts targeting childhood obesity. They can assist parents in helping to change eating and physical activity patterns amongst their children and aid parents & children in making informed food choices using the principles of the Healthy Diet Pyramid and Dietary Guidelines. With the guidance and support from health care professionals, parents, children and adolescents would be able to make healthy food choices and adopt healthier lifestyle practices, which would confer greater health benefits long-term.