Many children experience sensory feeding challenges. This occurs when a child's sensory system reacts strongly to the look, smell, taste, texture, or temperature of food.
These sensitivities can make mealtimes stressful for the whole family. Sensory feeding issues are different from “picky eating”, and is rooted in how a child processes sensory information.
Weight Management
Weight management in children isn’t solely about losing weight—it’s about fostering healthy growth and creating lifelong habits that support overall well-being.
Every child is unique, and managing their weight involves a careful balance of nutrition, physical activity, and emotional well-being.
Every child is unique, and managing their weight involves a careful balance of nutrition, physical activity, and emotional well-being.
How we help:
Understanding Healthy Growth
Children grow at different rates, and their nutritional needs change over time. A child’s weight should be viewed in the context of their overall growth and development, rather than focusing on a number on the scale. An example of a growth chart can be found here. Our goal is to support a positive body image and encourage habits that help your child feel energetic and confident.
Understanding Health Risks
Being overweight or having obesity can increase your child’s chances of developing several health problems, such as:
Breathing problems
Joint Pain
High Blood Pressure
High cholesterol
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Type 2 diabetes
In addition to these physical challenges, some children may experience weight-related teasing or bullying, which can affect their mental health. Recognising these risks early allows us to work together to create a proactive plan for your child’s well-being.
Does My Child Need to Lose Weight?
If you are worried about your child’s weight, speak to us. In many cases, children who are overweight don’t need to lose weight—instead, they may just need to gain weight more slowly as they continue to grow in height. To determine if your child weighs too much or is gaining weight too quickly, we will consider several factors, such as:
Your child’s age, weight, height, and BMI-for-age percentile
Your child’s overall health
How fast your child is growing
Whether your child has any weight-related health problems, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol
Your child’s family history of obesity and related health problems
Tailored Nutritional Guidance
If you are worried about your child’s weight, speak to us. In many cases, children who are overweight don’t need to lose weight—instead, they may just need to gain weight more slowly as they continue to grow in height. To determine if your child weighs too much or is gaining weight too quickly, we will consider several factors, such as:
Balanced Meals Crafting meals that provide essential nutrients for growth and energy.
Portion Control Education on serving sizes and mindful eating practices.
Healthy Habits Encouraging regular physical activity and establishing routines that support overall health.
“She was very patient with me as I have memory issues and needed things explained multiple times. She never made me feel bad about it.”
Father of Grace, aged 4, Doncaster
“My child has Crohn’s disease, and we have struggled for years with meal planning. My dietitian’s advice was practical and made eating less stressful.”
Mother of Muhammad, aged 11, Leeds
“Vicky was aware of his complex medical history, so she was able to tailor her advice around her multiple conditions, making the session really beneficial.”
Father of Willow, aged 6, Leeds
"My child has autism and struggles with textures of food. The dietitian was so understanding and gave me advice that understood his sensory needs rather than forcing him into a rigid diet."
Mother of Theodore, aged 12, Leeds
“I just had a meeting with my dietitian, and it was life-changing. My child has multiple allergies and intolerances, and she helped me build a balanced diet without feeling like she was missing out.”
Mother of Isla, aged 9, London
"Emma was so kind and supportive. She understood the emotional side of all of this and helped me navigate her eating, which has been a battle for years."
Mother of Sophia, aged 9, Bath
"For years, I’ve struggled with my child’s weight due to medication side effects. My dietitian finally helped me understand what was happening and what we could do about it without feeling like a bad mum."
