Managing your child’s weight

Children who are a healthy weight tend to be:

• fitter

• healthier

• better able to learn

• more self-confident.

They are also less likely to have health problems in later life.

Children aged up to 12

The School Health Service delivered by Lewisham and Greenwich Trust offers healthy lifestyle programmes and support for families.

By taking part in these free programmes you can:

• find out more about healthy eating

• join in physical activity sessions

• get help to build a healthier life for your whole family.

The programmes provide nutritional advice and guidelines, alongside fun exercise games and activities. All sessions are tailored to the needs and capabilities of the people attending.

Join a programme

To join a programme, your child needs to be referred by their:

• GP

• school nurse or teacher

• parent or carer.

Speak to your GP or school nurse for more information.

Young people aged 13–17

Young people aged 13–17 can go to Weight Watchers or Slimming World meetings for 12 weeks free of charge and get full access to online support.

Young people must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and need to be referred to the programme by their GP.

Other ways you can help your family maintain a healthy weight

As a parent, there is lots you can do to help you and your family maintain a healthy weight. Getting them to be more active and eat well is important. Get practical advice from NHS Choices.

You can also register with Change4Life for great ideas and support for the whole family to eat well and be active.

There are five ways you can help your child maintain a healthy weight:

• Be a good role model.
• Encourage 60 minutes of physical activity a day
• Keep to child-sized portions
• Eat healthy meals, drinks and snacks
• Less screen time and more sleep.