Childhood weight: a practical, non-shaming approach

Start with what is measurable

A clinical review should plot height and weight on a growth chart, check blood pressure, review diet and activity, and consider the small number of medical and medication-related causes. Thyroid problems, some medicines and certain genetic conditions can all affect weight, and a child who is short as well as heavy always warrants investigation.

Habits with the strongest evidence

• Remove sugary drinks entirely - this single change has the biggest measurable effect.
• Eat meals at the table, without screens, at roughly the same times each day.
• Serve age-appropriate portions and let your child decide how much of it to eat.
• Aim for 60 minutes of activity a day, in any form your child actually enjoys.
• Protect sleep - short sleep drives appetite hormones in the wrong direction.
• Change the household food environment rather than policing one child.

Language matters

Comments about a child's body, dieting talk and weighing at home reliably increase disordered eating and do not improve weight. Talk about strength, energy and health. Never put a child on a restrictive diet without clinical and dietetic supervision.