Helping children and young people maintain or work towards a healthy weight

Diet

• Children and young adults should eat regular meals, including breakfast, in a pleasant, sociable environment without distractions (such as watching television).​

• Parents and carers should eat with children – with all family members eating the same foods.

• For more information about diet, see the NICE pathway on maternal and child nutrition.

Activity

• Encourage active play – for example, dancing and skipping.​

• Try to be more active as a family – for example, walking and cycling to school and shops, going to the park or swimming. For more information about walking and cycling to school, see the NICE pathway on walking and cycling.​​

• Gradually reduce sedentary activities – such as watching television or playing video games – and consider active alternatives such as dance, football or walking.​​

• Encourage children to participate in sport or other active recreation, and make the most of opportunities for exercise at school.

Any programme to prevent obesity in preschool, childcare or family settings should incorporate a range of components (rather than focusing on parental education alone), such as:

• diet – interactive cookery demonstrations, videos and group discussions on practical issues such as meal planning and shopping for food and drink​

• physical activity – interactive demonstrations, videos and group discussions on practical issues such as ideas for activities, opportunities for active play, safety and local facilities.