Introduction

Childhood obesity is a serious public health concern in the UK, as well as globally. Reports published by the World Health Organisation have addressed the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity, which has risen from 8% in 1990 to 20% in 2022.

In the UK, the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) tracks the trends in child obesity by collecting height and weight data from students in reception (the first year of primary school) and year six (the final year of primary school).¹ From 2006 to 2020, the proportion of obese children rose from 17.5% to 21%.¹ By 2021, it was reported that over 1/7 of reception pupils and 1/4 of year 6 pupils and were classified as obese.¹ 

Socio-economic factors have been shown to have a profound impact on the prevalence of childhood obesity. The NCMP shows that children living in the most deprived areas are more than twice as likely to suffer from obesity than their peers in the least deprived areas.² 

Dr Mike McKean of the RCPCH remarked that “poverty and deprivation are robbing our children of a healthy adulthood before they even start school”. A life-long trajectory of obesity starts in childhood, with the majority of obese children becoming obese adults. Furthermore, obesity leaves children exposed to an increased risk of chronic health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, mental health problems and a shorter life span.³ Therefore, preventing childhood obesity should be a strategy to help address the growing obesity crisis. 

Nutrition is a major direction to tackle the childhood obesity crisis, requiring commitments from governments, food manufacturers, parents and more. 

But, how and why should we target nutrition to prevent childhood obesity? 

Poor dietary habits and childhood obesity

There is no singular cause of childhood obesity, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors enhances an individual’s risk. 

Food provides us with an energy input into our bodies, while physical activity is considered energy expenditure. The imbalance between energy input and energy expenditure plays a major part in the development of obesity.⁴ 

Researchers have indicated that complex slow-absorbed carbohydrates (e.g. brown rice, potatoes and pulses) should be preferred over simple fast-absorbed carbohydrates (e.g. white bread and pasta) due to the effects on satiety.⁴ The slow-absorbed carbohydrates keep you fuller for longer and thus decrease the risk of over-consumption. 

A correlation has been noticed between the increased availability of junk food and the prevalence of obesity.⁵ Junk foods are often high in calories, sugars and fats without offering any real nutritional value. One study in Iran investigated the link between junk food and cardiometabolic risk. They concluded that poor dietary habits play an important role in childhood obesity.⁶

Here is a list of some junk food you may consider limiting in your child’s diet:

• Pizza
• French fries
• Fizzy drinks
• Crisps
• Doughnuts 
• Cakes and Biscuits
• Processed meat (e.g. hot dogs and bacon)
• Fast food

Role of nutrition in childhood health 

Nutrition is an essential part of a child’s development. UNICEF reports that childhood malnutrition can result in stunted growth and wasting. It is vital to instil healthy eating habits into your child from a young age.

Good and balanced nutrition supports childhood health in a variety of ways, including:

• Improved immune system 
• Strong teeth and bones
• Stable energy
• Improved mental health 
• Supports cognition 
• Maintaining a healthy weight

Key components of a healthy diet

A healthy diet is characterised by a balanced diet. Check out the main food groups and make sure your child is getting the best of them and avoiding too much of the worst. 

Fruits and vegetables

Everyone should eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day. They are full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre. 

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates provide energy. Whole grain carbohydrates are also high in fibre. Refined carbs (for example white bread) are not as high in fibre, and don’t fill you up as much as whole grains. 

Protein

Protein is found in foods like meat, fish and eggs. Protein helps the body to grow and repair itself from damage. 

Dairy

Dairy products, such as milk, cheese and natural yoghurt, are high in calcium, protein and vitamins. Healthy bones and teeth require a healthy consumption of dairy products in your diet. 

Fats and sugar

Whilst fats have important roles in our health, consuming too many fats and too much sugar can increase the likelihood of developing obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. 

Strategies to promote healthy eating habits

On a national level, the government needs to address the childhood obesity crisis. Their approach could include:

• Limiting junk food options around schools
• Offering free healthy snacks during school
• No sale of food or drinks high in sugar and fat in schools 
• Reducing the visibility of junk food adverts
• Cooking classes as a mandatory part of the curriculum

Tips for parents and carers

The NHS and JPGN have published some guidelines for parents and carers to help ensure adequate nutrition:

• Breakfast: ensure your child has access to a well-balanced, healthy breakfast
• Portion sizes: remember to serve your child a portion relative to their age and body size
• Family dinners: family dinners encourage regular meal times and good eating habits
• Snacking: healthy snacks such as fruit should be encouraged and available over unhealthy snacks such as crisps and chocolate
• Fast-food: meals from fast-food restaurants should be very rare
• Screen-time and sleep: set a daily screen time limit and enforce a regular bedtime

FAQs 

How do I know if my child is obese?

Doctors can use body mass index (BMI), growth charts or other tests to determine whether your child is obese.

What causes childhood obesity?

Environmental factors, such as limited physical activity and a high-calorie intake, increase the likelihood of obesity. Genetic and hormonal factors may also influence obesity.

What are the benefits of good nutrition for my child? 

Improved immune system, strong bones and teeth, stable energy, improved mental health, and appropriate cognitive development.

What foods should I avoid giving my child?

You should limit junk food, sugary and fatty food, such as pizza, burgers, chocolate, cakes, and fizzy drinks. 

My child had 5 cups of apple juice, does that count as 5 of the 5 a day for fruit?

No, the NHS indicates that 100% fruit juice only counts for 1 of your 5 a day - regardless of the amount you have had. 

Summary 

• Childhood obesity is a growing concern globally. Increasing numbers of children are growing up in obesogenic environments which promote unhealthy eating habits. Children from deprived areas are significantly more at risk of developing obesity. Chronic obesity is linked to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers
• Nutrition plays an important role in combating childhood obesity. Studies have proven that regular junk food consumption is linked to childhood obesity
• Good nutrition has many benefits, including promoting healthy growth, development, and the development of a healthy immune system
• The government should strategise and introduce new innovative ways to help combat childhood obesity on a national scale
• Parents and carers can help children adopt healthy eating habits as they grow