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A report published yesterday by the Medical Research Council Human Nutrition Research Centre and the Department of Health has used evidence from a diverse range of sources to identify the main areas where families with children under 11 need further support to limit the risk of unhealthy weight gain. These barriers are:

• limited parental awareness of weight status and associated health risks
• parental beliefs that a healthy lifestyle is too challenging
• pressures on parents which undermine healthy food choices
• a perception that there are limited opportunities for active lifestyles

The Government's Healthy Living programme will tackle these barriers through a range of initiatives aimed at families with young children. It acknowledges that while there is a high level of awareness of the importance of good diet and physical activity, some parents need additional support to transfer awareness into action. The initiatives are designed to give parents the support and tools they need to recognise when their children are overweight and to tackle the problem. Building on existing programmes the initiatives will be rolled out throughout the year and into 2008 by the Government and its partners and which will focus on breaking down the barriers identified in the MRC report.

Caroline Flint said: "Tackling overweight and obesity in children is complex because there are many factors which contribute to the problem. And while we have been successful in raising awareness of the importance of good nutrition and exercise, putting that awareness into action has proved more difficult for some families.

"We know young families are aware of the 5 A Day message but are not necessarily eating 5 A Day. Top Tips for Top Mums will help families share ideas about what works for them in overcoming the barriers to a healthy diet.

"Over the next 12 months we will be rolling out a series of other initiatives linking in with partner organisations across the public sector, the food manufacturing and retail sector and with voluntary organisations to support families live a healthy life based on a helathy diet and increased physically activity. The Healthy Living Initiative is about providing support when and where it's required and in a way that people will respond to."

The first initiative Top Tips for Top Mums is an extension of the highly successful 5 A Day campaign and encourages parents across the country to share tips and ideas with each other on how they get their children to eat more fruit and vegetables. Actress and mum of three Patsy Palmer will be supporting the campaign. A host of practical tips have been posted on website www.5aday.nhs.uk to help parents improve their childrens' diets and share their own experiences.

Top Tips for Top Mums targets young families from low income backgrounds with children aged between two and 11. Recent research by the Food Standards Agency showed that only 46 per cent of people on lower incomes eat 5 A Day compared to 72 per cent of those on higher incomes. Reasons given by parents for their children not eating enough fruit and vegetables include cost, fussy eaters, limited time and cooking skills and a lack of structured meal times.

Further information

A range of 5 A Day tips can be found on the 5 A Day website

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