Nutrition and obesity

One in three children are overweight or obese by the time they leave primary school. This increase is leading to more cases of type 2 diabetes, asthma and high blood pressure in children. We campaign for politicians to tackle it and help deal with the serious clinical and family consequences for those treating or suffering from related conditions.

Key resources on nutrition and obesity

Breastfeeding in the UK - position statement

Growth charts - for infants, children and young people

Gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition audit report (2021)

Campaigning activities

We are part of the Obesity Health Alliance (OHA), a coalition of over 40 organisations with expertise in tackling obesity. Our calls to action include our push to restricting junk food advertising before the 9pm watershed.

Related news

More news

Media response

4 December 2024

Paediatricians welcome news that two-child benefit cap to be scrapped in Scotland

The Scottish Government has set out its proposed spending and tax plans for 2025 to 2026.

Media response

20 November 2024

RCPCH responds to Impact on Urban Health’s ‘More than a meal’ report

The report documents how since the policy roll out in 2023, nearly 270,000 children across London were entitled to free school meals.

Media response

5 November 2024

RCPCH: Action needed on poverty and high sugar products as childhood obesity rates persist

Paediatricians call for action as obesity levels among children starting their first year of school have increased to almost one in ten.

Resources on nutrition and obesity

More resources

Resource

Restricting promotions of food and drink high in fat, sugar or salt - consultation response (Scotland)

In May 2024, we responded to the Scottish Government's consultation on restricting promotions of HFSS food and drinks. Below is a short summary, with our full response available in the downloads section.

Resource

Health and Social Care Committee (Wales) inquiry into prevention of ill health – obesity – consultation response

In June 2024 we responded to the Health and Social Care Committee’s inquiry into preventing ill health - obesity. This page provides a summary, and you can download our full response below.

Resource

Enteral calcium and phosphate supplementation in neonates and children - position statement

This statement is produced by Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacy Group (NPPG), with support from RCPCH. There are no licensed oral liquid calcium or phosphate products available in the UK. Administration of an effervescent calcium or phosphate tablet is common, and this statement provides guidance for...

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