Taking action on childhood obesity

Childhood obesity is one of the most serious global public health challenges we face and levels in some parts of Cheshire and Merseyside are alarming. 70% of school children are classified as overweight or obese. Referrals to the Complications related to Excess Weight clinic, based at Alder Hey, have risen steadily over the last few years, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the problem.

This is even more concerning during a costof-living crisis. Our hospital is at the heart of our local community and day after day we are seeing families who are having to make difficult and heart-breaking decisions about whether they can pay their household bills or provide healthy food for their children. We are working tirelessly to tackle these serious health inequalities by taking action on childhood obesity to protect and promote healthy lives for all children.

Thanks to a successful partnership with the LFC Foundation, the MOVE programme provides community support for weight management for children and adolescents with severe obesity. The physical exercise and activity programme also supports children and young people with respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, and endocrine disorders.

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She really looks forward to the exercise sessions, she talks about them the day before. Her mood since starting the sessions has improved and she seems much happier especially straight after a session. The programme is person-centred specifically for her which is great, and we really appreciate everything you do and the effect it is having.

The importance of keeping physically active has been recognised as being fundamental to our overall health and wellbeing.

Sadly, children and young people with chronic health conditions tend to have much lower levels of physical activity and due to the stigma associated with ill health, they often lack the confidence to access health and wellbeing opportunities. Through physical activity programmes like MOVE, we are committed to ensuring that every child who needs us is supported to manage their condition in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

If you would like more information about how you can support this project, please get in touch: amanda.jones@alderhey.nhs.uk