The Problem:

• The number of children affected by obesity has tripled since 1980 and this can be traced in large part due to lack of exercise and poor diet
• Obese children are more likely to become obese adults, and all the problems that go with this
• 34% of preschool children have a TV in their bedroom
• The average amount of time preschool children spend watching TV daily is 2.2 hours
• In 1981, 50% of school children walked to school
• By 2014, this had halved to only 25%

 

So what is causing this problem?

• Only 20% of our school children are meeting the government guidelines of 60 minutes physical activity per day
• So 4 out of every 5 children are not getting enough exercise to stay healthy
• 1 child in every 4 is overweight or obese
• Many children do not meet the dietary recommendations for fruit and vegetables, and are consuming far too much sugar
• 20% of the energy intake from a child’s diet comes from sugary drinks, sweets, biscuits, confectionary, chocolate and cake

 

The consequences of this obesity;

All this obesity leads to many problems, both in the short & long term:

Short term effects:

• Physical development
• Problems with bone health
• Breathing difficulties
• Psychological & Social issues

Long term effects:

• Cancer
• Heart Disease
• Type 2 Diabetes

 

What are the benefits of physical activity?

• Agility, balance and co-ordination
• Improved self esteem and mood
• Better energy levels (both Physical & Mental)
• Better sleep quality
• Better Physical Fitness
• Better ability to concentrate and learn

 

So what can we do to correct this issue?