Alphega Pharmacy is launching ‘Growing Healthy’, a new family-based programme to help tackle childhood obesity.

Growing Healthy will be piloted in six pharmacies from next month, with a further roll out expected in 2017, following an evaluation. Consisting of 12 consultations over a six-month period, the programme uses interactive, child focused activities to help families identify their unhealthy habits and choose healthier alternatives. It is suitable for any family with a child aged four to 12 years who wishes to improve their health and wellbeing.

Currently, around one-third of children leave primary school overweight or obese. However, the support available to families with overweight children varies greatly by locality.