All our children
A new survey has shown just 4% of parents with children aged four and five years old describe their child as overweight. But latest figures show that more than a quarter of children the same age are overweight or even obese. Here Dr Julie Bishop, director
QWhy is it so important in Wales to tackle childhood obesity?
AThe 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 threequarters 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.
QWhat health problems are children most at risk of if they are overweight from a young age?
AWe 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 non-alcoholic fatty liver disease than normal weight children and they are likely to experience more psychological problems such as depression and anxiety.
QWhat health benefits can maintaining a healthy weight have for young children?
AAs well as avoiding ill-health 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.
QWhy is Every Child Wales such an important programme?
AWe 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.
QWhy have you decided to target parents with children aged 0-5 in particular?
AThe 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.
QHow will this help young expectant mothers and first-time mothers?
AThe 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.
QWhat would your top piece of advice be for parents with children in this age group?
AWe 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!
QWhat can GPs, health visitors, midwives and nurses do to help parents who may be concerned or may not realise that their child is overweight?
AWe 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.