Go easy on that cheesy, chewy pizza. That's the advice from nutrition researchers who say many U.S. kids eat so many slices – and not just at mealtime – that it poses a health concern right alongside sugary drinks and fast food. Pizza is a large source of calories, saturated fat and salt in students' diets, a new study says. Each day, about 20 percent of children and teens eat pizza, according to parents' responses in 2003-10 surveys.

Excessive calories, saturated fat and salt can contribute to serious health issues such as diabetes and obesity. An earlier study ranked pizza as the second-highest source of calories for children. Cake, pie, doughnuts and other grain-based desserts narrowly beat out pizza for first place. Youngsters and teens shouldn't eat more than two pizza slices for a meal, and should pair them with salad or vegetables rather than with another high-calorie food, concludes a study team from the University of Illinois and George Washington University. Other specialists suggest making pizza a weekly choice, not a more frequent one.

Pizza makers are responding to health consciousness. Domino's supplies pizzas for schools that include whole-wheat crust, light cheese and sauces with less salt. Pizza Hut last year added the Skinny Slice to its menu. Thanks to thinner crust and less cheese, the slices have about 80 fewer calories than the chain's regular versions. Better yet, here's what an Ohio dietitian suggests: "Make it at home instead of ordering it out, where you don't have any control over how it's made," says Alexis Tindall of the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus. "When we make it at home we can choose healthier toppings, increase the vegetables and lean proteins, and put less cheese."

Researcher says: "Parents should aim to curb pizza consumption, particularly as a snack." -- Lisa Powel, University of Illinois, study co-author

Parent says: "It's a convenient food and, obviously, we don't recommend having it at every meal. Not a lot of fruit and vegetable companies deliver. . . . The other night, we had pizza because I wanted to be there for my son's lacrosse practice." – Scott Kelly of Chandler, Ariz.

Doctor says: "Have fruit or vegetables or a salad before you order the pizza. Also, I always daub off the top of the pizza to remove the excess grease. And I top it with vegetables." – Dana Rofey, a mom and assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh