10 things you can do to stop your child becoming obese

Public Health Wales is calling on professionals and people in Wales to help tackle the growing problem of childhood obesity with the “10 Steps to a Healthy Weight” list.

The advice focuses on three age ranges — preconception and pregnancy, 0-2 years and 2-5 years —and aims to prevent problems caused by obesity, from asthma and low self esteem to diabetes.

According to the PHW, one in four children are overweight or obese when they start school, which means they are more likely to be overweight as a teenager and as an adult.

Julie Bishop, director of health improvement, believes “obesity is an issue that requires action” and that tackling it at an early age can have a “significant impact.”

She said: “We want every child who is born in Wales to get to their 5th birthday a healthy weight [...] and we’re focusing our efforts on prevention.

“This is really important as there is a clear link between being overweight or obese as a child and remaining so into adulthood and this can lead to a number of health complications.”

Each step in the programme is described as a “positive action” which can be taken to help prevent children being obese at age five.

Ms Bishop added: “By bringing all steps together covering the first five years of life, we hope we are helping people give their children and grandchildren the best start in life and helping us create a healthier future generation for Wales.”

The Ten Steps:

1. If you are planning to start a family, aim to be a healthy weight
2. Avoid gaining too much weight during pregnancy
3. Breastfeed your baby
4. Wait until your baby is around six months old before giving solid foods
5. Help your baby to grow steadily
6. Give children and toddlers opportunities to play outdoors every day
7. Limit the amount of screen time children have
8. Give children fruit and vegetables every day
9. Help your children have enough sleep
10. Water and milk are the only drinks your child needs