Dietitians' Views
 

Healthy eating and healthy weights for children

Background

Healthy eating is a vital part of normal growth and development for children. In Canada, rates of obesity among children and youth ages 2 to 17 are on the rise. No single factor can reverse the obesity trend – social, environmental economic, cultural and biological factors all play a role. Dietitians work in many settings with families, communities and other professionals to help children:

  • Enjoy healthy eating as a normal part of childhood
  • Attain nutrient and energy needs to support healthy growth and development
  • Develop a positive body image and high self esteem
  • Support the development of healthy food behaviours, including cooking and shopping skills
  • Enjoy at least 60 minutes of moderate-to -vigorous intensity physical activity daily
  • Limit sedentary behaviours
  • Develop supportive environments that make healthy choices the easier choice

Positions and Actions:

In 2010, the Public Health Agency of Canada, released Curbing Childhood Obesity – a Framework for Action. Dietitians of Canada generally supports the Framework for Action and calls for immediate action on supporting the healthy growth and development of Canadian children. This includes monitoring growth and development beginning at birth, early identification and management of growth and development issues, focusing on creating supportive environments that make it easier for children to eat well and be active at home, at school, and at play.

See Related Dietitians’ Views:

Resources:
  • DC Ontario Recommendations on Childhood Healthy Weights - Submission to the Healthy Kids Panel(September 2012) – DC's report emphasizes that obesity is a complex condition that is caused by many inter-related factors, and comprehensive solutions involving all sectors are needed. The 14 recommendations include school health, research, access to dietitians, and food environment and are aligned with those of other groups including the Ontario Society of Nutrition Professionals in Public Health and the Ontario Collaborative Group on Healthy Eating and Physical Activity.

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