STV Health Centre

The best way to prevent becoming overweight, or obese, is by eating healthily and exercising regularly.

Obese children also tend to be obese in later life so it is very important to set the right example to children from an early age. 

Today’s way of life is less physically active than it used to be and this may mean that the calories that are eaten are not getting burnt off as energy. Instead, the extra calories are stored as fat.

The Take Life On Campaign advises that encouraging your children to take part in fun family activity can help prevent major illnesses like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer later in life.

It can also help them be happier and more confident and help them control their weight and even sleep better at night.

The campaign also advises that what children eat at mealtimes has a huge bearing on how often, and how much they snack.

You can find healthy meal ideas that will keep children fuller for longer by visiting the Take Life On website.

National Childhood Obesity Week runs from July 2 to July 8.

Useful links:

• NHS inform on obesity
• NHS inform health benefits of exercise
• Take Life On