Stop Childhood Obesity

Take action now for a healthy future

Small changes can make a huge difference

Obesity levels have risen sharply in recent years and on a national scale, experts have warned that by 2050, 90 per cent of today’s children will be overweight or obese.

But why does it matter if they’re holding a little extra weight?  Isn’t it just “puppy fat”?

If children get into unhealthy eating habits and lead an inactive lifestyle it can potentially increase the risk of developing serious diseases later in life. For example, if we eat too much sugar, the extra energy it provides may be stored in the body as fat. This can increase the risk of getting heart disease, type 2 diabetes and even cancer.

Why not start with smaller portions?

Whatever their weight, even if your child is underweight, it’s important for them to eat a healthy balanced diet and be active. As well as the obvious health benefits of a good diet and plenty of exercise, your child may also feel the benefit in other ways, such as helping them to sleep better, which means you may find you get a better night's sleep too – which can only be a good thing.

Why not try to make small changes every day to reduce the calories, fat, salt and sugar they take in and increase the activity you do as a family. Let them know you’re going to be trying a few new activities and ways of eating and why. If they know why it’s important, they’re much more likely to co-operate and might even be excited about getting healthier. Most importantly though, taking action now can make sure your kids eat well, move more and live longer.

Visit www.nhs.uk/change4life for more information on beating obesity and eating healthily.