New campaign targets record rise in childhood obesity amid pandemic
Isobel Warner
Monday, January 10, 2022
More advice will be given to families to help prevent childhood obesity as part of a new government campaign.
The Department for Health and Social Care’s new Better Health campaign was launched today (10 January) in response to a record rise in children classed as overweight or obese during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Some 28 per cent children of reception-aged are overweight or obese, this rises to 41 per cent of children in year six, NHS data shows.
The campaign aims to encourage families to eat better and maintain a healthier diet, as 60 per cent of parents said they are giving their children more sugary or fatty snacks than before the pandemic.
Included in the campaign is a new NHS Food Scanner App, which offers healthy alternatives to unhealthy snacks through a scan, swipe and swap feature.
This app will appear in a new film supporting the campaign, with popstar Nadine Coyle, dietician Dr Linia Patel and a family chosen by parenting site Netmums testing it out.
The campaign comes as part of the government’s obesity strategy, which includes £100m of funding committed to supporting children, adults and families achieve and maintain a healthier weight.
A survey, conducted with Netmums as part of the campaign, found that 64 per cent of parents worry about how healthy their children’s snacks are, and nearly 90 per cent said they would benefit from an app which would help make healthier choices for their children.
“We are all aware of the increased pressures families have been under throughout the pandemic with children being stuck at home more,” said Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at DHSC.
“It’s not surprising that parents say they’ve often found it hard to resist pestering from their children for more unhealthy snacks.
“That is why the NHS Food Scanner App is a great tool to help families make quick and easy healthier swaps. It’s so important that children reduce the amount of sugary, fatty and salty foods they eat to help them stay healthy.”
“We know that parents find it really hard to find healthier snacks for their kids, especially if they’re fussy eaters,” added Patel. “The NHS Food Scanner App is a fun way to get the kids involved in choosing healthier foods that they’ll love.”
