There are many educational resources on healthy eating available to support weight management in children. Some are peer-reviewed and have been written by reliable sources, but some are not.
This page offers a selected list of well-designed and used resources (but is not exhaustive) which aims to help healthcare professionals navigate the plethora of information available online.
Behaviour change is influenced by a multitude of factors including education, which can increase the capability to change but is only one element. Healthcare professionals must recognise the importance of other factors involved in behaviour change and not become blindsided by only focusing on education alone. Training on behaviour change is strongly recommended for all those working with children and families in weight management.
‘One size does not fit all’ so the selection of resources provided below allows individual preference and choice in what may suit a child’s weight management plan.
It is important that age-appropriate resources are used and reflect the level of weight management you are working with. The resources cover all ages and can be selected to be used with those who just need some simple advice.
It is recommended you take some time to look through all the resources available and pull together your own collection for your caseload.
Specifically designed and recommended BDA resources for children living with or at high risk of obesity are available for purchase here. For those children who need more intense diet therapy, please see the Dietetic Assessment & Resource section.
For healthy eating
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Better Health: Healthier Families - supports families with the tools they need to make healthier choices (formerly known as Change4Life)
For Healthy Eating on a budget
For portion size guidance
For recipe ideas
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Better Health Healthier Families - for healthy recipes, snack and lunch box ideas and for healthy swaps click here
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BDA Lets Get Cooking – tips on getting children involved in cooking with many healthy recipes available
For label reading support
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Food Scanner app – provides help on label reading and making healthier choices by finding out what is in food and drinks
For physical activity
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Better Health: Healthier Families – from 10 minute shape-ups to indoor activities and sports
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Better: 20 Fun Home Activities – many ideas on ways to keep physically active at home
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PE with Joe – free online workouts designed specifically for primary school-aged children
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Couch to 5K app – suitable for older children (and their families) who may be interested in running as a form of physical activity
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Active 10 app – a useful self-monitoring app to build up daily walks suitable for older children and their families
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Active Partnership - locate local physical activity options available such as Parkrun and Walking for health
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This Girl Can - suitable for older children (and their families) needing ways to get active
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Canal & River Trust Walks – local routes for walking along canals or rivers
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Sport England – from yoga to Disney-themed workouts for children find information on many activities
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Hoop – local activity finder for infants and children up 18 years
Opportunities for physical activity for those living with disabilities
For wellbeing
- Every Mind Matters – suitable for older children and families requiring advice and practical tips to look after their mental health and wellbeing
The information on the links provided is only as up-to-date as developed by their original creators. If you come across any new resources worth sharing, please contact us here.