Watching our children’s weight

The number of overweight six-year-olds has roughly doubled in the last decade, while obesity among 15-year-olds has tripled. What’s the reason and what can we do about it?

In many cases children simply don’t do enough exercise. According to a survey by the British Heart Foundation, 18 per cent of parents never encourage their children to take any physical exercise.

Another reason of course, is that children are eating too much of the wrong sorts of foods. Here are some tips to help keep the whole family at a healthy weight:

• Try to exercise more as a family -  walk rather than drive for short journeys or take the kids swimming now and again.
• Sign the kids up to a holiday club. Not only will they get the exercise they need, but also you can take a well-earned rest (or join in the fun as a volunteer!).
• Reduce the amount of fatty, salty and sugary snacks (including crisps, chocolate and fizzy drinks) you allow your children to have.
• Make time to sit down for meals together rather than eating when you’re out and about or on the run – foods eaten outside the home tend to be higher in calories than those eaten at home.
• Set an example by eating healthily yourself – you’ll benefit too by feeling fitter and having more energy.
• Offer children at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day (this includes canned, dried and frozen fruit and vegetables, as well as fruit juice).
• Make sure vegetables (not including potatoes) fill at least one third of your child’s plate at each meal - raw carrots or celery, puréed or mashed vegetables, or a heap of salad. [Tip: To encourage them to eat their vegetables, a small serving of Heinz Tomato Ketchup or Heinz Salad Cream dressing is fine if it helps.]