Healthy weight for children

Your child’s weight

Making sure your children eat well, get plenty of exercise and stay at a healthy weight helps to give them the best start in life. It can also help to protect their health now, and in the future. Evidence shows that overweight children are likely to become overweight adults, with worsening health problems as they get older.

Parents can do a lot to ensure that their children achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Making even a small simple changes to your child’s diet and activity levels can make a big difference and bring significant health benefits. Remember Children learn by example so one of the best ways to teach your children to eat well and exercise is to do so yourself.

So here are some easy ways to help you keep your kids feeling great.

How do I know if my child is a healthy weight?

Parents are often unable to tell if their child is overweight however identifying that your child may be above a healthy weight is the first step to being able to make important lifestyle changes to prevent further weight gain and the associated health risks.

As with adults the most common method used to measure weight in children is by body mass index (BMI). BMI for children is interpreted differently to adults to take into account the age and sex of the child and allow for expected growth. Use the BMI calculator to see if your child is a healthy weight. If you identify your child to be either above or below a healthy weight for their age and sex then follow the Top Tips. For opportunities to discuss your concerns or find about the local support that is available then please see weight management services for children.

National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP)

In order for us to understand how many children may be overweight in our local area, every year children in school Reception and Year 6 have their height and weight measured. This happens across the country and is called The National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP). If your child is in Reception or Year 6 your school will be writing to you with more information.