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A national issue

The rising numbers of children who are overweight is a cause for national and regional concern. Recent results from the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) show that almost 1 in 10 reception age children (aged 4-5 years) in the South West are very overweight.

Throughout the country children in Reception Year and Year 6 are having their height and weight measured annually as part of the NCMP. If you have a child in one of these years, you should receive a letter with more information about the programme in your child's school. More details can be found here: Why your child's weight matters.

Nationally, the government has launched Change4Life - a new movement, supported by the Department of Health, which aims to improve children's diets and levels of activity, so reducing the threat to their future health and happiness. Change4life videos are available on YouTube.

What's happening in the South West?

In the South West, resources are being put into child weight management schemes by many organisations, including Primary Care Trusts, Councils, Local Authorities and schools. Unfortunately, information about the best approach and most effective interventions is hard to find. If you would like to know about interventions taking place in your area, search our Interventions database. It covers the whole of the South West region and gives details of a wide range of activities, from health promotion programmes, to physical activity schemes for children run in schools, leisure centres and other local settings.

Aim of the Healthy Weight for Children Hub

The Healthy Weight for Children Hub is dedicated to providing information on the latest evidence, resources and interventions to help children achieve and maintain a healthy weight in the South West. Here we explain the key issues and provide useful links to the best sources of information to help you maintain a healthy weight for all your family. Follow the links below to find out more.