Why worry?
The obesity epidemic in this country is continually rising. Indeed, levels are significantly higher than many other countries in Europe. This is a problem that must be addressed immediately, tacking into consideration the serious implications on health and the economy. The problem is not one that will go away! On the contrary, things are set to get worse. Given current modern lifestyles, without serious interventions the epidemic could spiral out of control. Children of today are becoming seriously over weight, and research suggests that overweight parents often bring up overweight children. A downward spiral is developing, and we must intervene! It is the duty of parents and teachers to play a central role in this fight against Obesity, as they hold the key to shaping the future for children of today!

Problems associated with Obesity:

• Restricted Activity
• Damage to Health
• Shortened Health
• Lowered Self-esteem

Children who suffer from obesity often struggle to carry out many everyday activities, from walking the stairs, to playing a game of football. This can often lead to self ridicule, and feelings of rejection from others. The general social life of the person deteriorates!

Obesity related Diseaeses:

• CVD
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Strokes
• Osteoarthritis…. and many more

Some Shocking Facts:

• If current trends continue, by 2020, 1/5 of adults, 1/5 of boys and 1/3 of girls will be obese
• Obesity in 4yr olds has doubled from 4%-9%
• A recent study in Leeds suggested that children now require school trousers 2 sizes larger than those the same age did 20yrs ago
• The proportion of people who are obese has increased by 400% in the last 25yrs
• On present trends obesity will soon pass smoking as the greatest cause of premature death
• 23.6% of British children are overweight, compared to 14.7% ten years ago
• According to the WHO, in 1995 200 million world-wide were obese, in 2000 this figure was 300 million
• This will be the first generation where children die before their parents, as a result of obesity (Dr Mary Rudolf)
• Obesity is a Health Time Bomb

Obesity and Inactivity

Current trends in obesity can be strongly linked to the increase of inactivity in modern lifestyles.

The NAO report, Tackling Obesity, stated that the extra physical activity involved in daily living 50 years ago, compared with today, was the equivalent of running a marathon per week.

The UK follows very similar cultural flows to the USA, and in that country the Obesity epidemic is spiralling out of control. AS a result of obesity it is predicted that 1 in 3 American children will become Diabetic.

School children in the UK are perceived to get less physical activity in schools than anywhere else in Europe. This, coupled with the modern lifestyle that many children lead today, dominated by sedentary leisure pursuits, such as TV and Video games, explains why the epidemic is becoming so serious.

Teachers and parents hold a central role in increasing activity and ensuring a healthy lifestyle.

HOW MUCH ACTIVITY SHOULD YOUR CHILD DO?
(information from the booklet: Get kids ON THE GO! by the British Heart Foundation.)

To improve health, it is recommended that:

"children and young people should aim to participate in activity of at least moderate intensity for one hour every day"

If your child is only taking part in a little activity at the moment, they should build up to this level gradually, starting with an initial target of 30 minutes.

The one hour of activity doesn't all have to be done at once - it can be built up over the day through, for example, four 15 minute periods of activity, three 20 minutes or two 30 minutes. This could include walking to and from school, PE lessons, active play with friends at breaktimes and out of school, sport, or structured exercise.

Examples of moderate intensity activities include:

• Brisk Walking
• Swimming
• Dance
• Active Play
• Cycling
• Most Sports
• Games

It is also recommended that:

"at least twice a week, some activities should help to enhance and maintain muscular strength and flexibility and bone health"

For children of primary age this could include:

• Climbing
• Skipping
• Jumping
• Gymnastics