How to Support Families in Making Healthier Food Choices 2026

The urgent need to support families in making healthier food choices has never been more critical, as recent data from the World Obesity Atlas 2026 reveals that the UK has twice the number of overweight children compared to France and Italy. With 3.8 million children now classified as having a high BMI, Tesco convened a panel of health charities, nutritionists, and suppliers to address this growing crisis.

Why Healthier Food Choices Matter for Families

Childhood obesity is reshaping the health landscape, with children as young as seven developing type 2 diabetes—a condition once seen only in older adults. Colette Marshall of Diabetes UK warned that obesity is becoming “normal” and embedding poor health into future generations. The financial burden is also significant, as the Food Foundation’s 2026 report highlights that eating healthily costs twice as much as consuming ultraprocessed foods.

Tesco’s Initiatives to Promote Healthier Eating

Tesco’s group managing director of healthcare, Tamara Rajah, emphasized the retailer’s responsibility to guide families toward better choices. Key actions include increasing fibre in own-brand products by 14%, removing sugar without replacing it with sweeteners, and reducing additives in children’s yoghurts. These efforts helped Tesco achieve its target of 65% of food sales being classified as healthy by the end of last year, up from 58% in 2019.

Key Strategies for Families to Make Healthier Choices

Nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert noted that UK children consume one of the highest percentages of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) in Europe, while failing to meet fibre intake recommendations. To combat this, families can adopt the following approaches:

• Prioritize whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains over packaged snacks.
• Read nutrition labels to identify hidden sugars and additives.
• Cook meals at home using simple, minimally processed ingredients.
• Limit exposure to UPF marketing by planning shopping lists in advance.

The Role of Retailers and Policymakers

John Maingay of the British Heart Foundation highlighted 170,000 additional deaths from weight-related cardiovascular disease, underscoring the need for systemic change. Retailers like Tesco are leading by example, but families also need support from policymakers to make healthier food choices affordable and accessible. Collaborative efforts between food suppliers, health organizations, and government can create an environment where nutritious options are the default.

FAQ

By combining retailer initiatives like Tesco’s with practical family strategies, we can reverse the trend of childhood obesity and build a healthier future. Start today by making small, consistent changes toward healthier food choices for your family.