CLEVELAND -- Obesity is on the rise in children, and it is important to address the problem early to prevent kids from becoming an unhealthy weight, reported NewsChannel5's Tonya Strong.

One way is to make working out fun for kids. The Hillcrest YMCA is host to many programs that present opportunities for children to run, jump and play.

Dr. Barbara Evans, a physician with her own practice in Cleveland Heights, says there are only three ways to lose weight: eat less, move more, or do both.

Evans expects a child's weight to follow a predictable pattern, but doesn't encourage strict dieting to shed pounds, because kids need to grow into a healthy weight.

"I try to tell them it's much more important for them not to gain weight, than to go on a diet to lose weight," said Evans.

Evans said it is also important for parents to set a healthy example for their children, a philosophy shared by the Hillcrest YMCA.

"I think we need to get more involved with our children and with our children's activities," said program coordinator, Allen Stokes.

Preventing obesity is important because of the many health problems associated with it, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.

"We've realized that the key is if you can get kids into a lifestyle of physical activity early, that it becomes a habit early on," said parent Angela Murray.

Evans says you can start your kids on the path to eating right, by doing simple things, such as not eating after 7 p.m. and cutting back on bread.

She also says you don't have to cut out treats, like going to McDonalds -- just go for the smaller meals, not super-sized.