Literature review: brief interventions and childhood obesity

The literature review and its recommendations from the PHRU on brief interventions in childhood obesity.

Healthy lunchboxes

Good food habits set early in childhood can last a lifetime. Lunches provide around one third of our daily nutritional needs, so it’s important to put some thought and planning into them. Here are some tips on how to prepare a healthy lunchbox. Sevensteps to creatinghealthy, varied and interestinglunchboxes Include a wide variety of foods - starchy foods, protein, dairy, and fruit and vegetables Try to offer different foods every day - no one wants to be eating a ham sandwich five days a week! Vary the types of bread e.g. pitta bread, bagels, wholemeal rolls - - keep a stock in the freezer Cook extra rice/pasta in the evening - these can make interesting salads Theme your lunchbox on a different country, e.g. Italian - try a pasta salad, Mexican fill flour tortillas Home-made soup (in a Thermos flask) is great for cold days, while salads are light and refreshing for warmer weather. Both are packed with essential vitamins and minerals Fluids are important for children - up to 6 cups of fluid should be encouraged daily. Milk and water are the best options. Straws and brightly coloured drinks bottles can make rehydrating more interesting!

BeeZee Bodies

BeeZee Bodies is a family weight management programme targeted at children aged 7 15 designed to produce a sustainable reduction in childhood obesity through effective behaviour change in families.Aims:o To enhance self-esteemo To improve perceived body imageo To maintain or reduce BMI and waist circumference in children (and parents where necessary)o To increase levels of physical activityo To enhance parenting efficacyo For families to feel empowered to make significant changes to their lifestyle and for these to be sustainable over time.