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

Media response

9 June 2022

Welsh Government proposes new legislation to help tackle obesity

The Welsh Government has opened consultations on proposals for legislation to reduce obesity in Wales.

President's blog

20 May 2022

Tackling some of the biggest child health issues - President's blog

Camilla updates on the College’s work to advocate for child health, and how listening to the ideas of medical students and foundation doctors can inspire and energise.

Media response

16 May 2022

RCPCH comments on Government decision to delay restrictions on unhealthy advertising

On Friday 14 May, the Department for Health and Social Care announced they would delay restrictions on advertising foods high in fat, salt or sugar for a year.

Resources on nutrition and obesity

More resources

Resource

NI Executive Children and Young People’s Strategy 3 Year Delivery Plan - consultation response

In 2021 the Department of Education published the overarching 10 Year Children and Young People’s Strategy (2020 – 2030) on behalf of the NI Executive. Subsequently, in 2022, the Executive produced an initial draft three Year Delivery Plan (2021-24) and published for public consultation.

Document

Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition UK National Census 2021 - report

This report, published jointly by the British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (BSPGHAN) and RCPCH, highlights the main findings and recommendations identified through an audit of the provision of paediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition services for infa...

Resource

Medicine dosing in childhood obesity

UK Medicines Information service (UKMI) in conjunction with the Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacist Group (NPPG) have produced updated guidance on how to dose medication in children who are obese.