Promoting healthy weight in the preschool years: A portfolio and planning guide to address barriers in primary care

Abstract

In 2006, the Child Health Promotion Research Centre (CHPRC) team conducted a major systematic review on the prevention of overweight and obesity among children aged 2-6 years, on behalf of the Australian Primary Health Care Institute, with funding from the Australian Department of Health and Ageing (DOHA). Key findings of the study indicated that although current policies and strategies recognise the critical roles played by parents, primary health care providers (PHCPs), early childhood carers and educators in promoting healthy weight among children aged 2-6 years, a series of organisational, attitudinal, knowledge, skills and training, barriers presently hamper effective engagement and collaboration between groups.