Pre‐school overweight and obesity in England

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a summary of current policy and research related to pre‐school overweight and obesity, and to provide a rationale for why early years settings are being placed at the forefront of strategies to address the problem.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a narrative review of current research, policy and practice.FindingsToday 22.9 per cent of four and five year olds are overweight or obese. The Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives strategy is a cross‐government initiative, which aims to make England the first major country to reverse the obesity epidemic. The pre‐school period represents a critical time for interventions, which could prevent excess weight gain and its associated physical and psychological damage to health.Practical implicationsPractitioners in early years settings have a significant contribution to make to promoting the healthy weight of children.Originality/valueConcerns about overweight in childhood have received much attention. This paper seeks to raise awareness of the importance of the pre‐school period, and to provide a useful review of current research, policy and sources of support for those who are best placed to address the issue.