In a series of in-depth interviews with GPs, practice nurses, school nurses and health visitors, practitioners detailed how they felt various factors limited the extent to which they could intervene effectively. These factors included a lack of practitioner expertise, NHS resources and contact with primary school children, the causes of childhood obesity and the need to work with parents who were often unwilling or unable to address their child's weight. It was also apparent that very few participants had knowledge of the 2006 guidance.

Findings from the study were published in the British Journal of General Practice. The research was funded by the Royal College of General Practitioners Scientific Foundation Board and the South West General Practice Trust.

Please contact Dr Katrina Turner for further information.

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