Though schools in the USA and here in the UK have in recent years come under sharp criticism for not offering enough physical activity and healthy food, children may be more likely to get pudgy during summertime than during the school year it seems.

It is sad but true that blood pressure starts rising early in life, but it dozen’t have to. Even in children we should think about reducing salt intake that in turn can reduce blood pressure, even in infants.

For two years, scientists from Ohio State University took body mass measurements (BMIs) periodically from 5,380 kindergärtners and first graders in 310 schools. They found that BMI gains were faster during summer vacation than when school was in session, and gain rates were highest among three subgroups most at risk for obesity: African American children, Hispanic children, and children who were already overweight at the beginning of kindergarten. I have not seen research from the Uk but you can bet it gives the same message.

But parents can do a lot to help too. Other research has confirmed that kids get through more calories if they’re spending hours at home watching TV and playing video and computer games.

Obviously the more parents can get their children up and moving, playing games outside and running around, the thinner and happier their children will grow up to be and the habits you lay down early in life should stay with them as they grow up.