In the UK, the number of obese children continues to rise. Currently, just under one in five children between the ages of two and ten is obese.
Obese children tend to become obese adults. This increases the risk of developing certain diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.
Even if your child doesn't have a weight problem, it's important to establish healthy eating habits early on so they don't gain any excess weight.
Good nutrition in childhood is vital for growth and development. Establishing healthy eating and activity patterns while children are young can lead to life-long habits that will help to determine whether or not they're healthy as adults.
Children need a varied diet that provides enough energy and protein for growth and repair, and contains all the essential vitamins and minerals.
The best way to improve your child's diet is for them to see you enjoying healthy food options.
Introduce new foods from an early age. It's normal for children to reject new foods at first, but this doesn't mean they'll never like them. Research shows most children will eat them if you try again a few days later.
Don't pressure your child to clear their plate. Encouraging them to eat when they're not hungry can result in them eating more calorie-rich foods.
It may also lead weaken your child's innate ability to respond to signals of hunger or fullness, so that they overeat.
Small children need to eat regularly, but keep snacks to defined times rather than allowing continual grazing. Snack foods don't have to be sweets or biscuits. Try slices of fruit or vegetable sticks instead.
Portion sizes have increased over the years, especially when it comes to ready meals and snacks. This means children have become used to eating more calories than they need.
High nutritional quality is more important than large quantities. Small children don't need as much food as adults. Think twice when serving meals and make sure theirs is smaller than a typical adult serving.
Avoid the supersize, kingsize and '25 per cent extra' foods. Seek out mini and fun-size foods instead.
The following table shows the estimated average daily calorie requirements for young children. The figures assume the child is of average weight with reasonable physical activity levels. It should be used as a guide only.
Children are naturally active, so don't stop them tearing round the house even if you're craving a few minutes of peace and quiet.
Some sedentary behaviour, especially watching TV, is linked to increased intake of food, especially those high in fat, salt and sugar. If your child demands snack foods, try plain popcorn, vegetable sticks or slices of fruit instead.
Better still, turn off the TV or computer and get them out riding their bike, playing in the park or doing any physical activity they enjoy.