A family focused programme is having great success helping kids manage obesity.

Participants who attended more than 70 per cent of the programme’s sessions have had significant reductions in BMI adjusted for age and gender over time

Auckland University researcher Dr Yvonne Anderson told Kerre McIvor obesity in children is complex.

"We've got lots of factors at play such as food security and juggling childcare, finding time to even cook a healthy meal as well."

Dr Anderson says New Zealander's need to create a more welcoming environment for children with weight issues.

"Now it's about strength based approaches and shifting the judgement which we seem to have ingrained in our society."

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ABOVE