In New Zealand as in many other countries obesity rates have increased in all ages, genders and ethnic groups over the last 30 years. Obesity is particularly concerning in children as it is associated with a wide range of future health conditions, and can also affect a child’s immediate health, educational attainment and quality of life. This presentation describes development and implementation of the Childhood Obesity plan and the associated health target.
On the 30th June 2016 the New Zealand government launched a new health target called ‘Raising Healthy Kids’. This health target is one of two targeted interventions in the Childhood Obesity Plan that focuses directly on obese preschoolers and their families. The plan consists of a package of initiatives that aim to prevent and manage obesity in children and young people by focusing on:
- targeted interventions for those who are obese
- increased support for those at risk of becoming obese
- broad approaches to make healthier choices easier for all New Zealanders.
The emphasis is on healthy nutrition, positive and sustained behaviour change, tackling the obesogenic environment and being active at each life stage, starting during pregnancy and early childhood. The package brings together initiatives across government agencies, the private sector, communities, schools, families and whānau.
The new health target will see 95% of obese children identified at the B4School Check programme offered a referral to a health professional for clinical assessment and family based nutrition, activity and lifestyle interventions by December 2017. The target was selected as the existing B4 School Check focuses on a life course approach and early intervention, to ensure positive, sustained effects on health. As part of the B4School check almost 95% of 4 year old children will receive a comprehensive check and parents are offered advice and/or referred to services