Is your child a healthy weight? And what you can do to help

The North East has one of the highest childhood obesity rates of any region. Credit: PA

More than a third of children in the North east are overweight or obese at the end of primary school.

Want to find out if you are a healthy weight? Use this NHS choices BMI calculator:

NHS Choices offers the following advice on helping your child become a healthy weight:

Listen to your child's concern

  • Overweight children often know they have a weight problem, and they need to feel supported and in control of their weight

Be a good role model

  • Any changes you make to your child's diet and lifestyle are much more likely to be accepted if the changes are small and involve the whole family

Get active

  • All children need about 60 minutes of physical activity a day for good health

  • For younger children it can take the form of active play, such as ball games, chasing games like "it" and "tag", riding a scooter, and using playground swings, climbing frames and see-saws

  • For older children it could include riding a bike, skateboarding, walking to school, skipping, swimming, dancing and martial arts

Child-size portions

  • A good rule of thumb is to start meals with small servings and let your child ask for more if they're still hungry

Eat healthy meals

  • Children, just like adults, should aim to eat five or more portions of fruit and vegetables everyday

  • Discourage your child from having sugary or high-fat foods like sweets, cakes, biscuits, some sugary cereals, and sugar-sweetened soft and fizzy drinks

Less screen time and more sleep

  • Limit the amount of time your child spends on inactive pastimes such as watching television, playing video games and playing on electronic devices

  • It also helps children stay trim if they sleep well - it's been shown that children who don't have the recommended amount of sleep are more likely to be overweight

Getting support

  • Your GP or practice nurse can normally give you advice

  • There are now many schemes around the country to help children try to become a more healthy weight - your local council should be able to tell you what's available in your area