Children/young people are not mini adults, therefore in terms of both eating well and moving more their needs are slightly different, as their bodies are still growing and developing. It's important that children and young people have access to a wide and varied diet to provide them with all the nutrients they require to ensure they build muscle, bone density and grow. Plus participate in regular activity which helps to strengthen muscles and bones, as well as allowing the development of important skills from communication and social to mental well-being and weight management.
This section covers four main areas:
If you are concerned about your child's weight/growth then please speak to your GP or school nurse. Parents can also find out more about with local sources of support available to help your child maintain their weight and grow into it (preferred option) or lose weight (if medically advised).
MEND weight loss programmes are age-specific courses, designed for children and their families and are run throughout the city.
Balance is a specific tailored support programme for teenagers on a 1-2-1 basis to help them lose weight.
More information on all the courses can be found on the children and young people weight loss section.
