Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the Western world. Around 15% of UK children are considered to be obese, with a much greater percentage classed as overweight.

Although children, like adults, all have different body shapes and sizes, a child can be a risk if they have significant excess weight. Starting a child on the path to fitness could be the best investment you make in their future (and key to avoiding childhood obesity). Habits they learn now may be with them for the rest of their lives. That’s why starting a fun and exciting fitness programme could not only be the key to both health and happiness!

Consequences and causes of childhood obesity

Childhood obesity can have a devastating effect on a child’s overall health and long-term development. According to a government report, it can lead to problems including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Coronary heart disease
• Increased risk of colon and other cancers
• Osteoarthritis and back pain
• Social and psychological issues, such as bullying, low self esteem and depression

Many of these childhood obesity problems are brought on by two key factors – bad diet and lack of exercise. Many children lead very sedentary lifestyles, playing hours of computer games and watching TV. Often, they eat little fruit or vegetables, instead having junk food throughout the week. These factors can lead to childhood obesity.

Child fitness – make it fun for all the family!

Starting a fitness regime to combat childhood obesity doesn’t have to be a daunting, overwhelming struggle. You can make it fun, and it’s a good way for the family to spend more time together:

• Set a good example – start jogging, playing sport and exercising yourself
• Take the family on activity days and holidays that involved outdoor games and adventures
• Find a local club for a sport or active hobby, such as football, martial arts, swimming or rock climbing. Try and find something that your child can relate to and enjoy.
• Put things in your garden that encourage activity, such as goal posts, a basketball net, a trampoline or a badminton net.
• Try and limit your child’s time per week spent watching TV or playing computer games (this is linked to childhood obesity).
• Incorporate physical activity into your daily routines, including chores, walks to the shops, cycling to school etc.
• Look into joining local scouts, guides or venture scout troops.
• Take an active interest in your child’s physical fitness at school. If they show an interest in a sport or become part of a team, try to make it easy for them to practice with them and attend games (less school sports has been linked to childhood obesity).

Remember – habits you build in your child at a young age will likely stay ingrained for the rest of their lives. 80% of children who are overweight at 10 are overweight in adulthood.

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