Info Centre - Helthy Kids

CHILDREN AND OBESITY

Obesity in children has become a serious problem resulting in profound social as well as health affecting consequences.  The estimation is that some 15 percent of UK children are either overweight or obese, a figure that has been steadily rising over the past 20 years.

Obesity leads to many problems including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, memory loss and headaches.  In England alone there have been more than 30,000 deaths caused by obesity.  The most probable reason for overweight children is due to poor diet and lack of physical activity and there is a concern, nationally, that these children will grow up with poor levels of fitness.  Regular physical activity is vital for a healthy future and it is felt that experiencing such activities will lay valuable foundations for lifelong participation.

Young people and children should, according the British Heart Foundation, aim to be involved in a healthy activity of at least moderate intensity for one hour per day.  The initial starting time should be at least 30 minutes.  Intensive activities include active  play, walking, cycling, dance and, of course, most sports and games.

For developmental and therapeutic benefits for all children there is nothing much better than outdoor play.  Through growth kids have high-energy requirements so a play area is a great form of exercise and a way to release all that energy.  All children should have the right to play as whilst playing they are unconsciously strengthening the large muscle groups in their bodies.  During play children repeat, adapt and refine all types of movement in various combinations, thus cultivating their physical skills, development and health.  Hand-eye and foot-eye co-ordination is also improved.

There are numerous physical benefits for children when involved in outdoor play through balance, walking, running, climbing, swinging and throwing and so on.  Children’s physical and perceptual motor development is greatly enhanced when playing.  They become more aware of their own bodies and the relationship it has with others and the world around them.

With lots of free time after school, at week-ends and during the holidays, kids have ample opportunity to participate in play and other physical activities.  Whilst encouraging children to play outdoors may be a task in itself, BUPA recommend perseverance, making exercise into a treat by taking trips to adventure play parks.

Increased physical activity in all ages, but especially children, burns more calories and aids health with additional benefits such as improved cardiovascular and gross motor increase.  Unfortunately, the benefits play in children is not always recognised but it does have an effect and improvement on their cognitive, emotional and social development.

Children do enjoy moving activities and sporting interests, so playgrounds are the ideal environment offering realistic challenges, which are suitable for their individual abilities and their social development.  Play should classed as a fun element of exercising as it encourages health benefits through aerobic and muscular endurance, strength and flexibility plus an improvement in the function of children’s vital organs.

The nation’s concern over the increasing obesity levels in children’s is not going to go away.  Solutions to combat this include changes to dietary as well as physical active lifestyles.  What better way than in the playground to get kids exercising.

Prevention is better than cure and so to prevent all our children from becoming obese outdoor play should be actively encouraged in all households.