Child Weight

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Child Weight

“Any parent who would like further information or support can confidentially self-refer their child to our ‘Healthy Hebridean Kids’ Child Healthy Weight programmes, which are free of charge. It is important to note that we don’t associate any blame, put children on “diets” or get them to calorie count. We are simply there to support children achieve a healthier weight and adopt a healthier lifestyle.”

Karen France, NHS Western Isles Nutrition, Dietetic & Catering Services Manager

Has your child just been measured at school? The results can be surprising, but they’re just a snapshot of your child’s weight and it’s not the end of the world.

Get them back to a healthy weight with a few simple changes to help them eat more healthily and be more active. You can think about whether or not you tell your child about their measurements, some parents do and others do not. There are no rules, some families use this as an opportunity to make changes together as a family, others make subtle changes to diet and lifestyle without their child noticing.

Some parents are surprised to learn their child’s Body Mass Index (BMI) is above the healthy range. However, there are many good reasons to help children achieve a healthier weight. Children with weight above the healthy range are at a higher risk of developing health complications in the future such the risk of diabetes, coronary heart disease, strokes and certain cancers. Unfortunately it often also results in bullying and low self-esteem related to weight.

NHS Western Isles can offer support via our ‘Healthy Hebridean Kids’ Child Healthy Weight programmes, and parents can self-refer their child to this service free of charge.

What does having a high BMI mean?

It can be difficult to tell if your child is overweight and because more children are now overweight, we have become used to seeing bigger children.

As children are still growing the aim should not be weight loss but for their weight to stabilise as they get taller. NHS Western Isles can offer support through our Healthy Hebridean Kids Child Healthy Weight programmes, and parents can self-refer their child to this service free of charge (see below).

What does having a low BMI mean?

Low weight can occur for a number of reasons, if it is something you are concerned about, take your child to the GP to rule out any health issues.

If you suspect it is a problem with your child’s diet you can self-refer to the Nutrition & Dietetic service for individual advice and support (see below).

Healthy Hebridean Kids – Child Weight Programmes

We don’t put children on “diets” or get them to calorie count. We are simply there to support your child achieve a healthier weight and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

We look at:

developing a healthy relationship with food
child-sized portions suitable to age appropriate portion sizes
being body confident – liking your body and believing that you’re worth looking after
enjoying being active and feeling able to do the things you want to do
eating a balanced and varied diet.

We offer one-to-one family-based sessions with a registered dietitian, which means seeing your child with at least one parent/guardian attending and at least one of the first sessions will be parent(s)-only. They may be seen fortnightly for the first 12 weeks and then less often as they make progress. Your child will be supported for at least a year but this can be extended if necessary.

Some support may come from a Healthy Weight Practitioner and at times some of the dietetic support may be delivered by telephone or online. We don’t currently deliver group sessions but this can be considered, subject to demand.

In addition to the nutritional input, you and your child/family may also be offered some personal physical activity sessions with an appropriately trained instructor, which will be discussed during the sessions.

Self-referral

If you would like to receive support to help your child, you can self-refer your child to our friendly service by one of the following methods…

complete our online form below
download and return our Self-Referral Form by CLICKING HERE Once completed, please return the form to us and we will then arrange an appointment with you as soon as possible.
telephone the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics direct, by telephoning 01851 708279 or emailing: wi.dietetics@nhs.scot

HEALTHY HEBRIDEAN KIDS – ONLINE REFERRAL FORM

Parent/Guardian Name *

First

Last

Address *

Postcode *

Phone Number(s) *

Email *

Child Name *

First

Last

Date of Birth *

Sex

Male
Female
Prefer not to say

Ethnic Group

Existing medical conditions (if applicable)

Current medications (if applicable)

GP Practice *

Is your child seeing any other health professionals?

Yes
No

If yes, please state who

Estimated child weight

Estimated child height

Does your child have a disability under the Equality Act 2010?

Yes
No

Does your child have any additional support needs?

Yes
No

If yes, please state what additional support needs they have

Do you require an interpreter?

Yes
No

If yes, please state which language

Are there any dates you would be unable to attend?

Additional information

Message

Note. If you have not received a response from us within 10 working days, please telephone the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics direct, by telephoning 01851 708279 or emailing: wi.dietetics@nhs.scot