Advice for parents of overweight children

Children can become overweight when they get more energy from food and drink than they use through activity.

Overweight children are more likely to become overweight as adults. This could lead to long-term conditions such as type 2 diabetes.

Making changes to their diet and activity levels can help them reach a healthy weight.

Check if your child is a healthy weight

It can be difficult to tell if a child is overweight as they're still growing.

You can check by calculating their body mass index (BMI).

The result will be given as a centile (or percentile).

You'll need to know their date of birth, height, weight and when you measured them.

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Exercise is a great way to improve co-ordination and self-confidence.

Children from the age of 2 years old should start to follow the Eatwell Guide.

Children should be active every day to help them develop strong bones and muscles.