Watch your child's weight - Jennifer J. Ashcroft

Many children are unhealthy. Generally, their diet is too high in fat and sugar; too low in fibre. A good diet and adequate exercise are important in childhood and healthy behaviour patterns are best learned early in life. Inappropriate health habits can lead, amongst other things, to weight problems. Children with such problems are likely to suffer not just physical distress, but emotional difficulties as well. It is important, therefore, that children are given the right kind of help as soon as possible. However, most conventional diets are intended for adults and are not suitable for youngsters, and if we are going to expect a child to change eating and exercise behaviour it is essential to consider the problem within the context of family, influences at school, social events like parties, and so on. The programme outlined in this book is geared specifically to children's needs. It describes their particular nutritional requirements, appropriate exercise, and how to make health-related behaviour changes easy and fun to achieve.