The Department of Health has launched a new campaign called Change4Life aimed at tackling childhood obesity.
The Chief Medical and Nursing Officers have written to healthcare professionals to introduce this campaign. Research has shown that:
- Parents acknowledge childhood obesity is a problem they do not think it is their problem
- Parents underestimate the amount they and their children eat and overestimate the amount of activity the family does
- Parents do not make the connection between unhealthy weight status and long-term health problems
The ultimate aim of the campaign is to encourage people to eat well, move more and live longer with a view to reducing obesity and the long-term health problems it can cause.
Action: Healthcare professionals should aim to support this campaign by providing healthy life advice where possible.