Councils are hoping to develop a 1,000 days plan for toddlers to help instil healthy eating from an early age.
New research by the University College London showed that what happens during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life could have a big impact on how healthy they are as an adult.
The study found that many children under the age of five are eating too many calories and salt, while missing out on essential vitamins. This could ‘set taste preference for the future’ and put them at greater risk of obesity and high blood pressure in later life.
In response, the Local Government Association’s community and wellbeing spokeswoman, Cllr Izzi Seccombe, said: ‘Councils want to work with government in its forthcoming childhood obesity strategy on developing a 1,000 days plan which places emphasis on encouraging healthy eating habits from an early age.
‘Intervention at a young age is vital if we are to avoid the risk of children having major health problems later on in life, such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes.’
