Childhood obesity is a major challenge for health services and society in general. The RCPCH Visions and Values Document emphasises the College's desire to play a significant role in the reduction and prevention of childhood obesity.

RCPCH Publications

• Storing up problems - the medical case for a slimmer nation, 2004
  "Storing up problems - the medical case for a slimmer nation", by the Royal College of Physicians, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, and the Faculty of Public Health, provides a comprehensive overview of the health burdens associated with obesity in childhood. 
• An Approach to weight management in Children and Adolsecents (2 - 18 years) in Primary Care, 2002
  This guidance was produced with the National Obesity Forum and contributed to the development of NICE guidance on obesity in which was published in December 2006.

College Projects

• Research Projects - In response to concerns about the impact of rising levels of childhood obesity, the Research Department initiated a programme of activity in this area.
• HENRY (Health, Exercise, Nutrition in the Really Young) - this project aims to tackle obesity by offering training and education materials to community and health practitioners. The project has been funded by the Department of Health, and the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
• Intercranial Hypertension Study - by the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit

Other Publications, Resources and Links 

• Management of obesity in children and young people (2003) is a Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline outlining clinical management of obesity in children. The RCPCH undertook an appraisal of this clinical guideline in 2003  obesity appraisal.
• Statistics on obesity, physical activity and diet - A resource hosted by the Information Centre.
• Australian Department of Health and Aging obesity guidelines provide a well referenced resource with proformas for clinical practice.
• National Obesity Forum provides resources and support for professionals and patients.
• Change4Life is a Department of Health campaign aimed at young families. It makes a clear link beween fat and preventable illnesses. Free materials are available to order or download to support the movement.
• Change4Life Toolkit: This is a toolkit relating to the Change4Life campaign.