Life Stages

Good nutrition and physical activity contribute significantly to maintaining health at all stages of life.

However, overweight and obesity are now a major health issue of our times: obesity is now considered a chronic disease. 

Overweight and obesity creep up on families.  It can be very hard to recognise in the early stages, and regular monitoring is now important for everyone. 

Pregnancy

The foundation for a healthy life is set during pregnancy: a mother's health and nutrition during pregnancy can have a life-long impact on her child's health.

Children

Children in New Zealand, as in many other countries, face a sizeable weight problem: 31% of New Zealand children are either overweight or obese (2002 National Children's Nutrition Survey).

Childhood obesity can bring serious health and self-esteem problems.  Early weight problems can persist into adulthood: over 50% of obese adolescents will become obese adults.

Maintaining a healthy weight through the growth years helps set up healthy patterns for future life.  

Unfortunately, many parents (between 30 - 50% in a recent study) fail to recognise their child's weight problem, and others understandably are reluctant to address the issue, hoping their child will 'grow out of it'.

measureme.com provides the steadygrow program, which enables parents to monitor a child's growth to help prevent overweight or obesity, and help an overweight or obese child 'grow into' their weight.

Families have an important task in modelling healthy lifestyle choices to their children, especially in eating and activity patterns.  

Teenagers

During the early teen years there is rapid physical growth and maturation, with lasting importance.

The consequences of early patterns for nutrition and physical activity show through, as physical growth and maturation brings with it a major focus on body image. 

Teen years are volatile: about 85% of eating disorders begin during adolescence (see eating disorders for more information). 

Adults

Over 50% of New Zealand's (and many other developed countries) adult population is overweight or obese.

During adulthood it is very easy for small amounts of weight to accumulate over a long period of time.  Regular measuring and monitoring is essential to understand whether your current lifestyle's nutrition and activity patterns are working for you.

Seniors

As you age, the proportion of fat to muscle in your body increases: even if you are the same weight as you were when younger, you will now be carrying more fat.

Remaining physically active is crucial for optimal health, and mental well being. 
Many medical conditions improve with appropriate physical activity.

If you are overweight or obese, losing even small amounts of weight, and keeping them off, at the same time as eating a nutritious diet, offers health benefits.