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LETTERS: Magda Sachs Baby growth needs proper re-evaluation BMJ 2005; 331: 406-a [Full text]

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Even more confused--and quite disillusioned

Tam S Fry   (12 August 2005)

Even more confused--and quite disillusioned 12 August 2005
Tam S Fry, Honorary Chairman, Child Growth Foundation 2 Mayfield Avenue, Chiswick, London W4 1PW Send response to journal: Re: Even more confused--and quite disillusioned	Magda Sachs is quite correct in her condemnation of weight monitoring practice in the UK. When the National Service Framework for Children [NSF/C], alleged to be the blueprint for optimum paediatric healthcare in this country, completely omits any need to weigh children until they are 4yrs old in its new Child Health Promotion Programme [1], could anyone be anything but disillusioned? Add to this the fact that rapid weight gain is now a risk factor for childhood obesity and you have a scenario for an unmonitored escallation of the major public health problem facing the country. The suggestion in Health for All Children, the bible of paediatric primary care professionals, that infants were weighed a minimum of five times was scrapped by the NSF/C [2]. I suggest huge confusion in those mandated to oversee the health of our children. [1] NSF/C Core standard 1 " Promoting health and well-being " p 26- 29 [2] " Health For All Children ", OUP, 2003 p 180 sincerely TAM FRY Honorary Chairman CHILD GROWTH FOUNDATION Charity Reg Nr 274325 [www.childgrowthfoundation.org, www.heightmatters.org.uk, www.factsoflife.org.uk] 2 Mayfield Avenue Chiswick London W4 1PW England E-MAIL: cgflondon@aol.com Competing interests: None declared