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In Hampshire, just over one in five children is overweight or obese when they start primary school.
Obesity in childhood is now more common and we are seeing the risks and health impact of this throughout childhood years. We know that children who live with excess weight are more likely to become adults who continue to live with excess weight and the associated health risks.
When children are living with significant extra weight they have an increased chance of developing other health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes in later life and sometimes even in childhood.
A child’s emotional and psychological health is also affected by overweight and obesity and may continue throughout childhood and into adulthood.
As parents we strive to protect our children and provide them with the safe happy childhood they deserve. This is not always easy but can start with building good habits into each day, such as regular mealtimes, regular age-appropriate physical activity and a sleep routine.
The types of foods and volumes we consume can have a real impact on how we feel. Our energy levels, concentration, sleep, mood and body weight can all be affected and can affect all areas of life.
Building good daily habits and choices as a family can make a big difference:
- choosing healthy food and drink choices (and reducing sugar)
- changing portion sizes for children’s age
- doing daily activity
- creating good sleep habits
Why not attend one of our workshops with a trained professional
For more tips on living a healthy life visit:
Feeding and Nutrition | Health for Under 5s
Infants & new mums — First Steps Nutrition Trust
Eating well early years — First Steps Nutrition Trust
Toddler – Best Start in Life – NHS
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is responsible for the writing, publishing and updating of the content on this page.
