New food guide to f ight obesity among children

NUrSErY schools and childminders have been given new rules on healthy food, as one in seven children start school in Scotland overweight.

New guidance has been released by the Scottish Government on feeding children under five.

It comes amid fears of a new generation of overweight Scots, as children who are obese are more likely to be fat in later life.

The NHS Health Scotland guidance, Setting the Table, includes advice on packed lunches, snacks and drinks. It aims to replace the sweets, biscuits and cakes that are often eaten by children.

Dr Peter Fowlie, officer for Scotland at the royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said: ‘ Obesity is the biggest public health threat faced by children in Scotland today, with more than one in seven clinically overweight or obese by the time they start primary school.

‘Healthy children are much more likely to become healthy adults, so if we are to buck this trend and create a healthier Scotland, it’s crucial the people looking after children – nursery staff, youth workers, primary and secondary school teachers – are supported t o help change attitudes and behaviours.’

Childcare providers including nurseries, family centres and nannies will be responsible for i mplementing the guidance. Some children with working parents get as much as 90 per cent of their food from these organisations, eating far less often at home.

The guidance can also be used by parents, who are given tips on breastfeeding and keeping expressed milk sterile, as well as weaning babies. It says children should not be given solids before the age of six months.

Scotland has one of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in Europe, while children eat an average of only 2.7 portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

Setting the Table suggests children should be given water and milk to drink and low- salt cereals for breakfast.

It recommends bread, baked beans and vegetable-based soups among healthy snack choices for young children.

Acting Minister for Children Fiona McLeod said: ‘The early years are some of the most important years of a child’s life and supporting childcare providers is one of the ways we can help ensure Scotland’s children get the best start in life.

‘We know that eating habits developed in the early years frequently last into adulthood, so childcare providers have an early opportunity to support the development of positive food habits.’