Fiona Dickens, community dietician for the Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust and Swindon Primary Care Trust, will be giving weekly advice about how to eat healthy

Childhood obesity continues to hit the headlines with Government statistics showing that more than one in five boys and one in four girls, aged between two and 15, were overweight or obese in 2001.

Predictions are that at least half of English children will be obese by 2020 if the rise continues.

So what can parents do to help their kids? Rapid weight loss and strict dieting are not appropriate for growing children, unless under specialist care.

Options are to slow down or stop weight gain as the child grows. It is also important that children do not feel picked on and that any changes are for the whole family as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Here are some suggestions:

Try to plan family walks or activities. The Department of Health recommend that young people have at least one hour of physical activity daily. This activity needs to raise the heartbeat such as walking, or fairly vigorous playing.

Restricting time spent on screens can increase activity levels.

Eat regularly, trying to have a balanced, varied diet.

Eat smaller portions except for fruit and vegetables and water.

Cut down on fatty and sugary foods.

This advice is also relevant to prevent obesity.

RECIPE

Cheesy Jackets (serves 4)

4 large scrubbed baking potatoes

A little semi-skimmed milk

150g (5-6oz) grated cheese- English cheeses work well

Place potatoes on greased baking tray and put in a preheated oven (gas mark 5, 375O F, 190OF). Bake for two hours or until soft in the centre when skewered.

Cut each potato in half lengthways. Scoop out the insides. Mash in a bowl with the milk and cheese. Return to the oven for around 15 minutes or until brown on top. Serve with baked beans or sweetcorn.