The calls followed the publication of the government's Foresight report Tackling Obesities: Future Choices. Stephen Burgess, national director of the charity Life Education, warned it is not possible to "force good nutrition down children's throats".
"By far the most effective way to combat obesity is to educate children early and help them become proactive in their own health," he said.
Steve Alexander, chief executive of the Pre-School Learning Alliance, agreed: "Without commitment to early intervention, the nation will continue to firefight and to pay the human and financial cost of failing to develop healthy eating habits."
The report found one in 10 children are obese, up to a quarter are overweight and the increase in child obesity is set to continue.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
