How can I manage my child's weight?

As a parent, it can sometimes be difficult to tell that your child is overweight. A child may not look particularly heavy to be overweight. And because more children are becoming heavier at a younger age, we've become used to seeing bigger children.

Research shows children who achieve a healthy weight tend to be fitter, healthier, better able to learn, and more self-confident. They're also less likely to have low self-esteem or be bullied. And they're much less likely to have health problems in later life.

Evidence shows that your chances of losing weight and keeping it off are much better if you have support. There are local services that will help you and your family lead a healthier lifestyle, eat healthy and increase your physical activity levels.

Being overweight, or obese, can have a damaging effect on your health and life expectancy. As adults, carrying excess weight lead to coronary heart disease, liver disease, osteoarthritis, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some cancer.

To find out more about what support is available, please call 01274 435387.

Children and Families Living Well Service

The Children and Families Living Well Service accept referrals for children aged 2 to 19 who are above a healthy weight.

The service have friendly, trained advisors who offer 6 home-based sessions to parents of children under the age of 13 or can work more directly with children aged 13 or over.

The team is supported by a registered mental health nurse and dietitian. They will encourage you and your family to take positive steps which are right for you, supporting you to identify changes that will help the whole family work towards goals such as eating well, moving well, sleeping well and feeling mentally well.

Please call 01274 435660.