Speaking during National Obesity Action Month, Dr Faye Powell from the University’s School of Psychology, works with local partners Active Luton, Public Health Luton and Flying Start Luton to look at ways of helping families develop good eating habits in the community.

“Finding ways for parents to access help in the community, such as sporting activities or cookery workshops they can do with their children, are really important to help families make positive changes to their lifestyle  in the home environment,’’ said Dr Powell.

“It could be something as small as swapping fizzy drinks for water, or trying a new piece of fruit or veg every day,” said Dr Powell.

“It is important to focus on a child’s overall health and wellbeing rather than just their weight. A healthy diet and regular exercise have so many other benefits than just maintaining weight, such as improving children’s psychological wellbeing and cognitive development and reducing the risk of diseases such as diabetes.”

Dr Powell’s research also suggests that parents should lead by example when it comes to good eating habits at home.

“A lot of families cook one meal for their children and one meal for themselves, and eat at separate times. Eating together encourages children to explore different foods, and if they see their parents eating it, they are more likely to try it,” said Dr Powell.

Dr Powell has carried out research into fussy eating among children, finding that most children have a natural aversion to trying new foods, a phase that is at its peak between the ages of two and six.

“Most children need to try something between 10 and 15 times before they will like it, and their food preferences are constantly evolving so it is important to persevere,” said Dr Powell.

Dr Powell also highlighted the use of praise and encouragement when introducing a child to new foods, and the pitfalls of using food like sweets as a reward, which can increase the desire for sugary and fatty foods.