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Nutrition and obesity

One in three children are overweight or obese by the time they leave primary school. This increase is leading to more cases of type 2 diabetes, asthma and high blood pressure in children. We campaign for politicians to tackle it and help deal with the serious clinical and family consequences for those treating or suffering from related conditions.

Evidence on healthy weight

State of Child Health is our landmark report into the health and wellbeing of children and young people in the UK, which looks at the evidence on child health outcomes and data trends.

State of Child Health - evidence on healthy weight

Breastfeeding

A wealth of research links breastfeeding to positives for both baby and mother, and there is no evidence of COVID-19 being transmitted through breast milk. We updated our position statement in May 2021.
Position on breastfeeding

Prevention of ill health

We responded to the Government's green paper on advancing our health in the 2020s, including plans to challenge the food industry and commission an infant feeding survey.
About prevention

Growth charts

Growth is an important indicator of a child's health. Our charts allow health professionals to plot and measure a child's height, weight and BMI - from birth to young adulthood.
About growth charts

Campaigning

We are part of the Obesity Health Alliance, a coalition of over 40 organisations with expertise in tackling obesity. Our calls to action include our push to restricting junk food advertising before the 9pm watershed.

Go to OHA website
Download joint position statement

Related news

More news

Resources on nutrition and obesity

More resources
Course

Childhood obesity – surgical management: webinar

23 September 2021
Dr Ashish Desai and Dr Simon Chapman present a framework to assess and manage the young person with obesity, including detailed review of bariatric surgery in young people, focusing on efficacy and safety.