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.

Evidence in State of Child Health

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

News

Surveillance of Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder to commence in March

4 February 2021

This study, run through the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit (BPSU), will identify the incidence rates of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) presenting to secondary health care, referral pathways, patterns of presentation, and clinical features. This study will begin surveillance ...

Ear nose and throat

BPSU

Secondary care

News

2200 paediatricians sign open letter to Prime Minister urging Government to extend free school meals to cover holidays

24 October 2020

Thousands of members sign an open letter urging the UK Government to change course on free school meals during the holidays.

Health policy

Membership

Public health

News

Message from the President - 3 August

3 August 2020

Russell has heard from many members with concerns for at-risk and vulnerable children in this period, and we're now seeking your insights. He also welcomes the UK government's recent announcement about obesity and junk food advertising, but we need to understand how people's lives are and see the de...

COVID-19

Reset, Restore, Recover

Fellowships, awards and prizes

Resources on nutrition and obesity

More resources

Course

How to Manage: Eating Disorders (online)

06 October 2021

An online course that will provide you with a clinical framework for the recognition, clinical risk assessment and management of children and young people with eating disorders. This study day will take place via zoom.

Resource

Ending the sale of energy drinks to children - consultation response

In 2018 we responded to the Department of Health and Social Care consultation on ending the sale of energy drinks to children as part of the ‘Childhood obesity: a plan for action’. We support a ban on the sale of energy drinks to children and young people.

Resource

UK NSC recommendation on obesity screening in children- a consultation response

In 2018 we responded to the National Screening Committee's recommendations on obesity screening in children. We acknowledged the lack of strong evidence on routine weight monitoring, but noted there is growing consensus that actions with face validity should be considered. Assessing weight status in...