Building healthy habits at a young age will help to continue these habits throughout life. Healthy eating is important for a child to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing weight-related medical problems such as diabetes or heart problems. Parents should encourage and motivate their children to eat healthy. Research has demonstrated that age 3-5 is a pivotal age and if a child is obese between the ages of 3-5, then they are eight times more likely to be obese in their adulthood. In addition, after five years of age, a habit is already developed. It is never too early to start eating healthy.