Description

Forewords by Joe Harvey and Annabel Karmel
Respectively Director, Health Education Trust, Chair, Caroline Walker Trust, Council Member, Sustain'; Mother and Author

Weight Matters For Children is a unique compilation of current United Kingdom nutritional advice which is fully evidence-based for professional reference whilst taking a family-centred approach to eating and exercise. It offers practical solutions that families can use to modify their lifestyles and addresses the many reasons behind the current obesity epidemic. It also examines general nutrition issues, along with common illnesses and conditions.

Behavioural approaches in relation to food and other childhood issues such as low mood, tantrums and general motivation are also considered.

This book is vital reading for all parents and teachers. It will also be of great benefit to paediatricians, health visitors, general practitioners, primary care nurses, dieticians, nutritionalists and catering professionals involved in the preparation of food for children.

We know that children who eat a healthy diet have improved levels of concentration and so perform better at school. We also know that children who are overweight have lower levels of self-esteem and are often unhappy. Rachel Pryke gives lots of good advice on how to improve your child's diet and set them up for a happy and healthy future.' Annabel Karmel, in her Foreword

Very practical, thoughtful and parent/carer friendly. A wealth of common sense sits alongside sound child psychology which underpins the advice throughout the text. The knowledge that Rachel brings to the book as a mother and an experienced family doctor adds real value which informs and reassures. I remember clearly some of the battles, most won but some lost, for the hearts and minds of my own children in encouraging them to eat well and get real pleasure from food this book would have been invaluable to me then and certainly will be to its readers now.' Joe Harvey, in his foreword

Parents are becoming increasingly concerned with the rise in childhood obesity and want practical advice and tips on how to prevent it happening to their own children. This really is a complete guide to weight, eating and fitness for children. Written in a very concise and practical way this book lends itself to being a useful tool to both laypeople and health care professionals alike. A welcome book for anyone working in the field of childhood obesity and one no parent or surgery should be without.'
Jane DeVille-Almond, Independent Nurse Consultant and a Director of the National Obesity Forum

Contents

Children and choice: Children, choices and the Balance of Good Health Flavours and fullness Measuring a child's size and boosting activity Preschool children: Milk, weaning and promoting healthy foods Developing a taste for the healthy things in life Understanding problem eaters Focus on fitness for preschool children Junior children from five to twelve: The healthy body jigsaw How does parenting style influence children's behaviour? Helping an overweight child Kids will be active if they can Nutrition and health problems: Nutritional nuts and bolts The Food Frequency Framework Vegetarian and Vegan eating An A-Z of conditions that affect weight and eating Abdominal pain Colic Abdominal migraine Swollen abdominal glands Urine infection Allergies Peanut allergy Milk allergy Egg allergy Anorexia or loss of appetite Appendicitis Asthma Coeliac disease Constipation Cow's milk intolerance Cystic fibrosis Depression Diabetes Diarrhoea Gastro-oesophageal reflux Inflammatory conditions of the gut Phenylketonuria Pyloric stenosis Thyroid disorders Tooth decay Worms