Description/Overview: Overweight and obesity has become a worldwide epidemic. Few people realize that this health problem affects a significant number of preschool children. As an example, 21% of American preschool children, 2-5 years, have a BMI percentile greater than 85 and thus are classified as overweight or obese. Several researchers have attempted to intervene with dietary and/or activity interventions to affect BMI percentile; however, few have realized great success to date. Research has been completed that has advanced the science with regard to aspects of promoting Healthy Lifestyles (e.g., healthy eating and activity) with preschool children and their families The purpose of this symposium is to present the most current research regarding Healthy Lifestyle promotion with preschool children and their families. Evidence reviews and new research findings will be discussed that will be helpful to both practitioners and researchers as a way to bridge the practice-research gap. The evidence presented supports the Information, Motivation, and Behavior Skills as a theoretical framework for the development of skill-building interventions (e.g., provider interventions, parent interventions). In accordance with this theoretical perspective, effects of information and motivation are expressed mainly as a result of the development and deployment of behavioral skills that are directly applied to the initiation of preventive behavior. Thus skill assessment and development is critical along with provision of education and motivational support in this partial-mediation theory of behavior change. Previously conducted research and recent research findings will be reviewed, all of which focuses on the current state of Healthy Lifestyle research with preschool children. The evidence presented will include: 1) the assessment and monitoring of dietary intake, 2) age-appropriate portion education interventions, 3) the effect of various caregiver feeding styles, and 4) motivational interviewing used as an effective method of behavioral counseling by practitioners to promote healthy lifestyles in preschool children.

Learner Objective #1: The participant will be able to discuss the most current research regarding portion education interventions designed for preschool children.

Learner Objective #2: The learner will be able to describe the principle components of motivational interviewing and application of MI in research or practice settings.