PARENTS LEARNING NEW STRATEGIES TO OVERCOME CHILD OBESITY

A program has re-commenced to help parents who are concerned their children are carrying too much weight.

The Minister for Children and Youth, Katy Gallagher MLA said FEAT, or Families Eating & Active Together, is a six-week program coordinated by the Gungahlin Child and Family Centre and ACT Health.

"The program was held for the first time late last year, helping parents to deal — in a family context — with children who have developed weight problems," Ms Gallagher said.

"FEAT is an educational program aimed at helping parents to think differently about the way their families eat and how they spend their leisure time."

"Parents who have attended the program say it removes a large amount of tension and uncertainty, by giving them strategies and information they can put into practice."

ACT Health nutritionist, Anne Embry said nutritionists and a psychologist guide parents through sessions on healthy food habits and meal planning and building self-confidence in the affected children.

"Working with parents and encouraging the whole family to make healthy and realistic changes is the key to the success of the program," Ms Embry said. "FEAT puts parents back in the driver’s seat and helps them support their children to adopt healthier eating habits in a positive way," Ms. Gallagher concluded.

The program sessions are being held during school hours and interested parents should contact the Gungahlin Child and Family Centre on 6207 02120.