Many parents struggle to talk to their children about weight. To help, researchers at the University of Bath have coproduced a series of short videos offering practical guidance on how to approach these sensitive conversations.

Drawing on the stories of people with lived experience, the films share tips on ways to support children who are worried about their weight, and those who may be overweight or living with obesity.

The films were developed as a follow-up to a written guide based on research led by Professor Fiona Gillison, a specialist in health psychology in the University of Bath’s Department for Health. This guide was developed from research conducted at Bath and elsewhere, which parents, healthcare professionals, charities and academics from other universities helped to shape into a practical resource.

Together, the videos and guide form the first evidence-based resources on this topic designed for both parents and healthcare professionals. The aim is to break the silence around weight and give parents the confidence and knowledge to navigate these conversations without causing harm or distress.

Professor Gillison said: “We hope these films will give parents clear information on having conversations with children when appropriate.

“The evidence tells us that parents are really concerned that talking to their children about their weight would harm their wellbeing, and even when they see their child being teased and bullied about their weight, they may feel unable to help. There has previously been no guidance to give to these parents, and it’s incredibly important to share strategies that can help parents navigate talking to their child for the better.”

Dr Kamila Hawthorne, who recently stepped down as chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, was also involved in the videos. She said: “I’ve seen more and more young people living with obesity over my career as a GP. People often visit their GP for another reason but if a child is overweight, it’s an opportunity to check in and find out what’s going on for them. But it needs to be done skillfully because the last thing you want to do is increase a sense of shame”.

Rachel Millar, who was the films’ producer and is a Master of Research student at Bath’s Department for Health, said: “Making these films it’s clear from the testimonies that many children who are above a healthy weight will be aware of this, and when their parents don’t address the issue, they can feel isolated or alone. Children want their parents to reassure them and to help them be healthy.”

The videos could not come at a more crucial time: the latest figures from the National Child Measurement Programme show childhood obesity is continuing to rise: in the last school year, over one-quarter of children in reception and nearly half of year 6 children were considered above a healthy weight. Many healthcare professionals believe childhood obesity is one of the most important challenges for public health.

The new guidance is intended to play an important role in supporting work with families to encourage a healthy weight, ensuring they have access to the best advice available, whatever steps they decide to take.

The junk food advertising ban

There is wide recognition that a ‘whole systems’ approach is needed to address childhood obesity. This includes supporting individual parents – the aim of the film project – while also emphasising the need to change the social and cultural environment to be more supportive of a healthy weight.

Today (January 5, 2026), the junk food advertising ban will be implemented in the UK, following a delay from its original October 2025 start date.

The ban means there will be restrictions on advertising 'less healthy food or drink' on television between 5.30am and 9.00pm, and in paid-for adverts online at any time. It comes into effect more than 20 years after initial research showed a link between advertising and children’s food preferences.

While the ban is welcome, more still needs to be done to address obesity in the UK, according to Professor Gillison.

She said: “Our government needs to take action on the broader issues that lead to obesity – such as, the way our environment pushes us towards eating more and exercising less, and the influence of big businesses on what we eat and how we live.”