Striving to tackle child obesity in our community
Posted on Friday 7th August 2015
Evelina London community nutrition and dietetics team
Figures released by the Department of Health show that child obesity rates in Lambeth and Southwark are higher than the London average. In Southwark, 26.7% of 11-year-olds are classed as obese. This is the highest figure of any borough in the capital.
The community services team at Evelina London Children's Healthcare recognises that child obesity presents a major challenge in our local area and works to promote good health among children and families.
The team carries out the National Child Measurement Programme in Lambeth and Southwark, which identifies overweight children in primary schools. Proactive measures are then taken to tackle obesity, including inviting families to drop-in advice sessions.
Evelina London also runs free 'cook and eat' activities in Southwark and Lambeth to encourage healthy eating among families with young children.
Jummy Dawodu, Head of Universal Children's Services, says: "Childhood obesity is a major public health concern. Obese children face a lifetime of ill health and are at higher risk of developing serious health conditions.
"It’s important that we support families to develop healthy eating habits in their children from infancy. Our 'cook and eat' classes give parents great tips so that cooking together as a family becomes fun.
“Sometimes parents start weaning babies too early, giving them foods with a high sugar content or high in fat and salt. By reducing salt, fat and sugar content and introducing more fruit and vegetables, parents can give their children the healthy start in life they need.”
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