In view of the news over the last couple of days about the Governments approach to tackling childhood obesity, I thought it would be relevant to re-visit a blog I wrote a couple of years ago on this subject:

I read a really interesting article about how the Danes are approaching the treatment of childhood obesity.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three children is now overweight and the incidence of obesity among adolescents has quadrupled over the past 30 years.

Dr Jens Christian Holm who runs a scheme to help tackle this issue in the town of Holbaek believes that other nations could learn from this research.

The child’s GP could recommend 15-20 dietary and lifestyle tips to help them lose weight, gain self esteem and improve their health.

None of the ideas are that radical although some may be more difficult to introduce than others.  But generally it is common sense advice that can be easily adopted by whole families to improve nutrition and keep weight management in check.  I think it is an excellent blueprint for families with children of all ages to adopt and follow and adults would benefit too!

  1. No crunchy muesli or fruit yoghurts for breakfast – choosing oatmeal, dark brown bread, meat and fish instead
  2. No fast food or white bread for lunch; choose brown bread, meat, fish and vegetables instead
  3. Portions served up in the kitchen – no pots and pans at the dining table
  4. Plate proportions for dinner should be: half vegetables, a quarter brown rice, pasta or potatoes, and a quarter fish or meat or poultry.
  5. Wait 20 minutes before having second helpings – this allows time for the body to feel full feel satisfied after each meal
  6. Only two pieces of fruit per day
  7. Fast food only once a month
  8. Sweets only once a week
  9. Snack only once a week
  10. Limit juice and other beverages to once a week maximum.
  11. Cycle or walk to school
  12. Organised physical activity eg dancing, handball or gymnastics
  13. Free physical activities like walking/biking after school, walking the dog or trampolining
  14. Screen time (television, computer or tablet) limited to two hours per day
  15. No television/computer access until 5pm
  16. Set a regular, early bedtime

If you would like to read the original article, click here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-29755469