Truth about child obesity

ALK TO MY BOUT WEIGHT, VEREATING MAGING ESTEEM? talking to your ht can be important. “Think about the language you use – terms like ‘fat’, ‘obese’ and ‘diet’ can be much more damaging than we realise,” said Alexia Dempsey, specialist eating disorder dietician at the Priory Hospital in Roehampton.

“Talk about ‘kindness’ and ‘compassion’ rather than ‘weight’ and ‘shape’ as the most important values.

“If your child believes weight and shape dictate their identity, these will be the values they think are most important.

“Talk about social media too – there is a lot of pressure on young people to be part of it. This might not always be a positive experience – cyber-bullying, trolling and pro-anorexic sites are common – and there are lots of so-called ‘experts’ pushing their lifestyle choices on these platforms, along with airbrushed images.

“Make sure you seek professional advice if you are worried about your child’s eating. With obesity on the rise, it’s important to feel you can ask for help and not be judged.” MY CHILD WON’T EAT HEALTHY FOOD – WHAT AM I MEANT TO DO? Persistence and starting early are key. “Getting children into good habits when they’re young will bring lifelong benefits but meal times can be challenging,” said nutritionist Katherine Hale, Prevention Programme Manager for the National Charity Partnership.

“There’s nothing like leading by example. If a child sees you eating all the food on your plate, they’re much more likely to do the same.

“It’s a good idea to eat together, which also makes meals more sociable Go little by little. A big plate filled with food can be overwhelming, so try offering smaller amounts and let them have more if they’re still hungry.

“Letting children make choices about what they eat will mean they enjoy it more, too.

“Of course, it’s important to make the choice a healthy one – for example, by offering an apple or a banana, not an apple or a biscuit. “It’s best not to let meals drag on for more than 20-30 minutes. If they haven’t finished, clear the plate without fuss.” MY GP SAID MY CHILD NEEDS TO LOSE WEIGHT – BUT HOW DO WE CUT DOWN AND ENSURE THEY GET ENOUGH NUTRIENTS? Weight loss shouldn’t be at the cost of nutrients, said Hale. “Your child is still growing and developing, so they will need a well-balanced diet to get all the nutrients they need.

“Unlike adults, it may be that they can grow into their weight rather than need to lose it, so achieving an energy balance rather than an energy deficit may be enough.

“Start by making sure there’s a regular pattern of balanced meals, including plenty of fruit and vegetables, wholegrain starchy carbohydrates and protein foods like beans, fish, lean meat or eggs.

“To begin with, rather than cut down on everything, try just limiting the extras that are nice but not necessary – sweets, chocolates, sugary drinks.

“Focus on the foods you want them to eat, rather than the ones they’re going to be eating less of.

“Ask your GP if there’s support available locally or within the practice.” HOW MANY TREATS CAN I GIVE MY KIDS? It depends on their age. “Regularly consuming high-sugar food and drinks increases your risk of longterm health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, as well as tooth decay,” said Hale.

“Added sugars shouldn’t make up more than five per cent of daily calorie intake. This amounts to 19g a day for four to six-year-olds; 24g a day for seven to 10-year-olds; and 30g a day for 11-plus.

“Given that a tablespoon of ketchup contains around one teaspoon of sugar and a small serving of baked beans almost three, you can see how quickly it tots up. Our advice would be to limit the amount of treats you give children to as few as possible.

“Try making fruit the snack of choice and when you do give them chocolate, have just a bit rather than a whole bar.

“Have natural yoghurt with nuts or chopped fruit for puddings, drink water rather than fizzy drinks or juice and opt for plain cereals, such as porridge oats.

“Also, keep an eye on reduced-fat foods – many contain more sugar to compensate for the altered taste and texture. Always look at the ingredients list on the packaging.”

If a child sees you eating all the food on your plate they’re more likely to do the same