Today’s generation of children are exercising less and eating more |
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Today's generation of children are exercising less and eating more. Combined, these factors are contributing to the rising levels of childhood obesity seen in most developed countries around the world. Worryingly, there are currently 1.5 million children in England who are overweight or obese, leaving them at increased risk of developing a multitude of health problems such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.  The Department of health have set a target to reduce the number of overweight and obese children to the levels seen in 2000 by 2010. To help achieve this and stop the global epidemic in its tracks, we need to inspire children to exercise more! The British Heart Foundation reported that currently only one in eight children are getting the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day which helps to keep them keep fit and healthy. Dr. Mike Knapton, Director of Prevention and Care at the British Heart Foundation said: "We have a generation of kids growing up who have a shockingly blasé attitude towards exercise and being active". By working with youth sport coaches, the PAPA team hopes to create coaching environments which promote a more positive attitude towards physical activity participation. It is hoped the project will encourage children to lead a more active lifestyle and enjoy taking part in physical activity, helping to reduce the increasingly sedentary behaviour seen in children today. |
