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1. PROMOTION OF INTAKE OF HEALTHY FOODS

Providing easy to understand nutrition information and guidelines for both adults and children, introducing tax on sugar-sweetened drinks, reducing marketing to children and increasing access to fresh foods. It is also crucial to educate people by providing practical, and understandable information on healthy diets that people can easily adopt in their everyday lives.

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2. PROMOTION OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Parents, carers and professionals including teachers should encourage children to be more physically active. Governments should ensure that adequate facilities, such as recreational spaces, walking and cycling paths, are in place for children to use.

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3. PRECONCEPTION AND PREGNANCY CARE

The care that a woman receives before, during and after her pregnancy may greatly influence the health of a child. It is advised to give guidance and advice promoting good nutrition and healthy diets before conception and during pregnancy for both mothers and fathers. Moreover, the use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs should be avoided.

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4. EARLY CHILDHOOD DIET AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

The first years of life are critical to develop good eating and physical activity habits, which can help to reduce the risk of developing obesity later in life. Breastfeeding, exclusively for the first six months of life, is highly recommended by WHO and crucial for the correct growth and development of a child. When other foods are introduced in children’s diets, these should be low in sugar, salt and fat. Also, physical activity and good quality sleep should be a part of child’s daily routine both at home and at the childcare facilities.

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5. HEALTH, NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN

It is important to create a healthy environment at schools with healthy meals and drinks, including access to fresh water. Also, nutrition and health education should ensure that children and adolescents understand the role of nutrition for good health. Similarly, regular participation in physical activities should be organised and promoted.

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6. WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

The recommendation is to provide appropriate weight management services that are family-based, include nutrition, physical activity and psychosocial components, and that are delivered by multi-professional teams with appropriate training and resources.