GPs are having to teach parents how to cook simple foods such as potatoes and beans in the war on childhood obesity

Family doctors need to teach parents how to cook simple foods such as potatoes and beans in a bid to reduce childhood obesity.

Overworked GPs say a lack of specialist services means they are offering advice on healthy recipes to those with overweight children.

Many are struggling to address the growing problem, blaming it on a lack of training and capacity, according to a survey.

With more than a third of children (37 per cent) overweight by the time they leave primary school, the UK faces a ticking time bomb of health problems as they grow up.

Researchers from the University of Birmingham conducted in-depth interviews with health professionals to understand their experiences of helping families lose weight.

In one response, a health professional said: “I had a mother and her son was overweight, but she was a young mother and didn’t really know how to cook dinner.”

“We spent a lot of time with her giving her worksheets on how to cook, make potatoes and beans instead of going to the fish and chip shop.”

Health professionals complained of a lack of time and training to support families, including the limited availability of specialized services.

They reported poor access to routinely collected data on children’s weight and were concerned about damaging trust by highlighting concerns about children’s weight.

Others said they were aware of cultural considerations when gaining weight, according to findings published in the British Journal of General Practice.

Last night, anti-obesity campaigners said it should not be up to GPs to teach cooking skills.

Tam Fry, chair of the National Obesity Forum, said: “It is unfortunate that doctors have to teach their patients cooking skills because millions of UK families have no idea how to prepare a healthy meal.”

“There was a time when excellent cooking instruction in schools ensured that children left secondary school with a good basic knowledge of food, but that is almost gone now.”

The latest figures on childhood obesity show that 22.7 per cent of Year 6 pupils were classed as obese or severely obese in 2022/23.

When the figures for obesity and overweight are added, the figure rises to 36.6 percent of children, which means that more than one in three is overweight than healthy.

Miranda Pallan, Professor of Child and Adolescent Public Health who led the study, said: “Through the series of interviews with doctors, primary care nurses and school nurses, we have been able to see some clear barriers that prevent effective advice and support for the families”. to address the growing epidemic of childhood obesity.

“Although we should not expect doctors to spend much time teaching families how to cook healthy, balanced meals, the study highlights that healthcare professionals need more support and dedicated time to be able to give practical advice and, in some cases, consult more information specialized services.’