Why all our little ones need a healthy start to their lives
Latest figures show that more than a quarter of children aged four and five are overweight or even obese. Here Dr Julie Bishop, director of health improvement for Public Health Wales, explains why the new Every Child Wales campaign is so important
Q
Why is it so important in Wales to tackle childhood obesity?
A
The 2015-16 Child Measurement Programme results show that just over a quarter (26%) of children aged four to five are overweight or obese in Wales.
And while that means that three-quarters of children are a healthy weight, the rate of overweight and obesity isn’t getting better.
Longer term we are seeing the impact of obesity on the health and wellbeing of the population and this is likely to get much worse unless we act now.
Q What health problems are children most at risk of if they are overweight from a young age? A
We know from speaking with parents that they may not always think that being overweight as a child is a problem.
They often tell us that “puppy fat” is okay, and that they will grow out of it – and some kids do.
However, we know that some don’t. Obese children are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease than normal weight chil- dren and they are likely to experience more psychological problems such as depression and anxiety.
Q
What health benefits can maintaining a healthy weight have for young children?
A
As well as avoiding illhealth in the longer term, there are lots of benefits in the short-term to being a healthy weight, too.
When children are a healthy weight, they are likely to feel better about themselves, and find it easier to play and learn.
So the sooner parents get advice about making sure their child stays a healthy weight, the better. Why is Every Child Wales such an important programme? We believe every child deserves the best possible start in life.
If a child spends their early years healthy and happy, they are more likely to grow into healthy and happy adults.
Q Why have you decided to target parents with children aged 0-5 in particular? A
The early years of life, from conception to age five, have a huge impact on children, parents, and families, throughout their lives, and from generation to generation.
The pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and early years phases of life are very important in terms of influencing the future health and development of children and young people.
Vital foundations of adult health are set down. The evidence suggests that influencing the development of children to maximise their health, social and educational development is most effective when done as early as possible.
Q How will this help young expectant mothers and first-time mothers?
A
The help and advice available at www.everychildwales.co.uk isn’t just there to help kids to grow up healthy.
It’s also there to help make it easier for parents to make choices, and to give them quick access to information and advice.
Some of the advice – around sleep, screen time and diet for example – are likely to make life easier for parents, because they will find it easier to get their child into a routine, and plan their days a bit better.
Q What would your top piece of advice be for parents with children in this age group? A
We know that parents have got lots of things on their minds and that their child’s weight will not be a priority for them, but we know that their general health and happiness is.
Spending time together as a family eating a healthy meal; enjoying some time in the park or at the beach or playing a game without your phone or tablet or TV on will be good for everyone in the family, not just your children.
It takes a few minutes to look at www.everychildwales.co.uk to see the 10 simple things they can do to help their child grow up healthy and happy.
They may be surprised at how easy some of the steps are!
Q What can GPs, health visitors, midwives and nurses do to help parents who may be concerned or may not realise that their child is overweight?
We will be developing more guidance and support for health professionals as part of Every Child Wales.
We would encourage all health professionals to take overweight and obesity seriously; they play a really important role in helping parents to understand that their child is overweight but that they can do something about it.
Q What specifically can parents of newborns do to make sure their child doesn’t become overweight? A
The Every Child website has all the information parents of newborns need, but to summarise it here, the three best things they can do are to try their best to breastfeed their baby, wait about six months before giving their baby solid foods, and to try to ensure their baby grows steadily during this time.
Q If their child is overweight, what can parents do to bring their child back to a healthy weight and make sure it is maintained? A
The important thing to remember is that it is never too late to make a change.
If your child is a little bit older, there are still things you can do to help manage your child’s weight.
Things like making sure they are outside every day instead of being stuck in front of a screen, that they eat their “five a day”, and are drinking water or milk instead of fizzy pop or squash.
If parents are really worried that their child may be very overweight or obese, they can see their Health Visitor, School Nurse or Practice Nurse for advice.