Today one in three children are overweight or obese and research suggests that, if untreated, 85% of these children will become obese adults. To coincide with National Childhood Obesity Week Professor Paul Gately is joining us on Friday at 12 midday for a webchat about childhood obesity.
Professor Gately has over 20 years research experience in the field of childhood obesity and the study of weight loss programmes throughout the world. He formed the MoreLife programme which works across the country in partnership with the NHS to deliver specialist weight management services.
Paul has presented a number of television programmes on the subject of childhood obesity and is a spokesperson for Change4Life. He is also consultant to many government agencies, health organisations and corporations throughout the UK and internationally.
If you're worried your child is obese, or you have concerns about their diet or want advice on how to help them lose weight, join the webchat on Friday at midday or post a question in advance to Professor Gately.
WEBCHAT GUIDELINES: 1. One question per member plus one follow-up. 2. Keep your question brief. 3. Don't moan if your question doesn't get answered. 4. Do be civil/polite. 5. If one topic or question threatens to overwhelm the webchat, MNHQ will usually ask for people to stop repeating the same question or point.
MNHQ have commented on this thread
Mumsnet webchats
Childhood Obesity: Webchat with Professor Paul Gately, Friday 6 July, 12-1pm
RachelMumsnet · 03/07/2012 14:23
@yolo
Hi Yolo,
Apologies for getting to this late.
Our webchats are available online to read, there is no audio version.
If we can help any further with this, then please do mail us contactus @ mumsnet.com
After a quick scan through of these "answers" I do slightly feel that he came across as a little surprised that "mumsnetters" aka "Mums" would have such thoughtful and well informed questions. Brings out the feminist in me where men are seen as the experts, and equally well-informed women are helped and advised with their problems. (So, perhaps I'm being slightly unfair as I acknowledge this is his field of expertise - but as an early years professional I have a professional view too and have given these issues some careful thought) Perhaps it's something inherent in the Q&A format to some extent. But I think some of the problem stems from the approach taken by Paul.
I'd like to have seen more acknowledgement of the good ideas contained within the questions and comments. Reminds me just slightly of the Barnardo's webchat. Just because we have DC's doesn't mean we don't have a brain !
And just because we are mothers doesn't mean we don't have other roles and experiences to draw on 
@JugglingWithTangentialOranges
I'd like to have seen more acknowledgement of the good ideas contained within the questions and comments. Reminds me just slightly of the Barnardo's webchat. Just because we have DC's doesn't mean we don't have a brain !
And just because we are mothers doesn't mean we don't have other roles and experiences to draw on
Not at all, I'm sorry that was your interpretation of my responses. Mums tend to be the family members I interact with most as they seem to be involved most in their childs weight loss challenges. After 20 years working in this field I totally recognise their knowledge, skills and expertise. Indeed much of my insight is gained from real life situations articulated to me by mums and the children and young people i have worked with.
I recognise that raising some of these issues can be a challenge for many as its a personal and sensitive issue. So some of my comments were made with consideration of such challenges and a recognition of the bravery needed to raise them even in an anonymous forum.
Sometimes there were responses or comments that we not supported by science and I strongly believe it is critical to challenge such misperceptions. I was not being dismissive of the responses, and apologies for anyone who felt I was.
I must admit it was the first time I have done this, I did enjoy it but it was a challenge to consider and respond quickly to the questions and comments posed. In fact each of the questions could have a whole day focused on them as a webchat. This is one of the problems with this issue and why we need more things like this.
just read this, i'm late I know.
To be honest it is the same old tripe being repeated again. Follow the government guidelines - because thats worked so far, right 
, we need carbs full stop - again I would question that to some degree, and if the government guidelines aren't working then you are not following them properly
More sense on the Dr John Briffa webchat!
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