A growing problem

If you are a parent, there is a one in three chance that your child is overweight or very overweight, a condition which doctors term ‘obese’. Childhood overweight and obesity rates are already high and they are rising year by year in the UK and many other countries worldwide.

Many parents of bigger children don’t realise that their child is above the healthy weight range for their height and age. Even if they do, it’s common for those extra pounds to be put down to ‘puppy fat’ that will disappear as their child grows older, genes or ‘big bones’.

However, being overweight or obese as a child is a serious condition. Overweight children suffer physically and emotionally. Not only can their size cause problems now, but if they continue to gain weight at an excessively fast rate it can cause all sorts of health issues in the future. Over half of obese children grow up to be obese adults.

Parenting an overweight or obese child can be difficult, especially if a child suffers from lack of confidence or is depressed about their size. Trying to resolve childhood obesity issues can seem daunting, especially as it’s such a sensitive and personal subject to discuss as a family or with a doctor.

The good news is that not only is childhood obesity treatable, it’s preventable. It can be difficult to know where to turn but MEND is here to help. Our Programmes help boost children's self-esteem while changing the way everyone in the family thinks and feels about what they eat and being active.

Our expert advice makes it easier for you and your children to begin to enjoy the important benefits of a healthier lifestyle.

We offer families the opportunity to become fitter, healthier and happier - for life.