The latest data released by the National Health Service reveals an alarming increase in childhood obesity among children at primary school. Figures provided by the National Child Measurement Programme show that a third of children leaving primary school are either overweight or obese.

The NCMP used data gathered from a study of more than a million school age children, revealing that the number of overweight or obese children has risen. In 2010-11, the number of children (more…)

Child Obesity: A Parent’s Guide

This comprehensive yet easily digestible guide to child obesity is a must-have for any parent who suspects their child may be overweight or wants to develop healthy lifestyle habits that will prevent their child from becoming so.

This no-nonsense handbook de-sensationalises the media coverage about child obesity and gives parents up-to-date facts and figures about the dangers of an unhealthy lifestyle for our children. Child obesity has been referred to as a ticking time bomb which must be defused before children’s weight issues reach epidemic proportions. Judith Manson is successful in driving (more…)

This week we caught up with Judith Manson, the author of the book ‘Child Obesity: A Parent’s Guide‘. The book, which offers advice on tackling obesity within children, has recently been updated with a new version – so we wanted to ask Judith about her updated book, and about childhood health issues on the whole.

We understand the book ‘Child Obesity: A Parent’s Guide’ has been updated for 2011 – what sort of updates have been made to the book?

As well as up-to-date facts, figures and information, the new book contains more streamlined advice, a wider range of easy-to-follow recipes and meal suggestions, as well as an updated section of resources, links and further reading. I have also included information about children from certain black and ethnic minority backgrounds who may be more at risk of weight problems, along with (more…)

Children who are overweight or obese carry extra body fat, which can cause problems for their health, both emotionally and physically. Health problems such as type 2 diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure and gallstones would usually be seen in adults, especially if (more…)

There are now 25 percent of adults who are classed as obese with a large percentage of the rest being overweight. Child obesity is also on the increase, with one in seven girls and one in six boys being obese. A child who is obese is likely to become an obese adult, falling prey to weight related illness such as (more…)

Child obesity is on the increase with a quarter of five year olds and a third of 11 year olds being overweight. The reasons for this increase is due to several factors. Less exercise is one contributor, as less children play outdoors, preferring to take part in screen based activities. Junk food is also on the increase, with more ready meals, processed foods and takeaways contributing to daily diets. By keeping your child at a healthy weight you will be helping avoid future health problems and social problems. Steps you can take are: (more…)

For many parents raising a child presents a variety of problems throughout your child’s formative years, from bringing your baby home from the hospital, through preschool and the teenage years. The main goal for all parents is to have (more…)

Child obesity is on the increase with over a quarter of children aged between two and eighteen years being overweight. The effect of child obesity is overwhelming, with illness and certain conditions linked to obesity having a negative impact on the quality of a child’s life. There are also psychological effects on a child who is overweight which can last into adulthood.

If a child is overweight the chance of them developing illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure as well as asthma and others, are hugely increased (more…)