Doting grannies and aunties are being asked to consider giving children an alternative to an Easter egg this weekend.
While NHS Tayside’s paediatric obesity specialist does not want to spoil the fun of the holiday weekend, she wants adults to consider limiting the treats they hand over for the sake of their loved ones’ health.
Dr Laura Stewart, who set up Tayside’s first ever specialist service for overweight children in response to a rising tide of juvenile obesity, said just one standard size chocolate egg contains 1000 calories.
“I don’t like the idea of children counting calories, but what that does mean for activity is that, to work off your Easter egg, you would have to spend three hours walking briskly,” said Dr Stewart, who leads the Paediatric Overweight Service Tayside (POST).
“If you are going swimming, to work off one Easter egg you would have to swim continuously for two hours.
“Although chocolate is nice, and we all enjoy it, we have to be careful how much we eat and chocolate eggs are probably higher in energy than most of us want to admit.”
With one in five children overweight when they start school, POST was established two years ago to work with children and families to change unhealthy habits.
But when the shops are full of chocolate egg promotions, and adults want to treat children, it can be tough trying to adopt healthier habits.
Many children now get multiple chocolate eggs as gifts over Easter and Dr Stewart said she was aware of one child being given eight eggs.
“The message… is yes, we want everyone to enjoy their Easter but just be careful about the number of Easter eggs you give to young children and don’t let them eat it all in one day.
“Think about spreading an egg out over a couple of days so they are spreading the energy value out over that time. Get out during the nice weather and take them for a nice walk to burn off the chocolate.”
Some families ask relatives to give clothing for Easter “or give a present that is not food related.”
If you have concerns about your child’s weight you can contact POST on 01738 473784 or email post.tayside@nhs.net.