A study produced by researchers based at the University of Manchester, has revealed that mums who are dieting at the time of conception may increase the risk of their child being obese or developing diabetes. This conclusion has been reached following a study on sheep, but the scientists believe that the same results would be applicable to humans.

According to the researchers, when a ewe conceived during a time when it received less food, the lambs were born with DNA structures that were altered. This difference was (more…)

A project funded by the European Commission to fight against child obesity, has recommended that televisions be removed from nursery and also from bedrooms at home. The project involves nine countries, including the UK to “develop and test an innovative and evidence based obesity prevention programme for children aged four to six years”.

The project has been commissioned as fears that obesity levels in (more…)

The annual conference of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers will hear how teachers believe that computer games are the main factor for increased aggression among young pupils. Teachers will speak out to inform the ATL members that kids who are only four years old in some cases, are mimicking “graphic scenes” from games which are meant for much older children, or adults.

One problem (more…)

According to a report compiled by Stephen Moss on behalf of the National Trust, the education and health of UK kids is suffering as they spend less time with nature. Parents worrying about children’s safety, large volumes of traffic and computer and video games keeps children indoors rather than (more…)

Researchers from the University of Granada have discovered that children who eat meals which are prepared and eaten at home, have a reduced risk of childhood obesity. Children who eat meals prepared outside the home are more likely to become overweight or obese. The study has made a connection between the health of a child and who has responsibility for preparing their lunch.

According to an entry in the Nutricion hospitalaria journal, mothers know (more…)

According to research carried out by the Travelodge, the average time that children go to bed is now 11.20pm. The study revealed that almost all of the kids surveyed didn’t have a routine for bedtime and didn’t have to go to bed at a certain time. As a result, children are suffering from (more…)

A number of the largest food companies have made a pledge to reduce calories in their products, in an attempt to support the fight against obesity. Andrew Lansley announced that some of the most well known food outlets and manufacturers have signed the “calorie reduction pledge”. The pledge forms part of the responsibility deal launched by the government, tackling areas which include food, alcohol and physical activity.

More than a third of UK children who are aged 10 or 11 years old are either overweight or obese. A number of companies and organisations have joined together to (more…)

The birth of babies weighing more than 11lb, known as ‘sumo’ babies, has increased by more than half during the previous four years. These babies sometimes suffer with ailments as a consequence of their size, and may cost the National Health Service more to deliver. Mothers who are overweight or obese typically give birth to larger babies, which is thought to be responsible for the increase in numbers.

As experts warn of an increased number in overweight mothers giving birth (more…)

Following the recent news reports of Stacey Solomon being caught on camera smoking while seven months pregnant, new figures have been released which show that almost 60 percent of pregnant teenagers carry on smoking during their pregnancy.

The Celebrity Mum of the Year title which was awarded to Stacey in 2011 has been taken away from her (more…)

Following the discovery of a Smartie sandwich in a child’s packed lunch, NHS Lincolnshire health workers were called into schools to see what children were eating in their packed lunches. Although the Smartie sandwich was an extreme example of a packed lunch, most of the children were found to be eating sweets, crisps and chocolate.

The rate of child obesity in Lincolnshire is extremely high, with a third of children classed as obese. Health officials have taken action, including a trial (more…)