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Childhood Obesity - Fostering a love for activity
The government has now acknowledged the weighty issue of childhood obesity by tying 31 billion dollars in funding to increased physical activity for students in primary and junior secondary schools.
It is estimated that about 17% of Australian children and adolescents, are overweight and another 6% are obese. Over the past two decades the number of overweight children has almost doubled, with the number of obese children increasing by more than three times during that period. There is no reason to believe that this rapid rise in overweight and obese children will not continue unless action is taken.
There are many problems associated with being overweight or obese as a child. Problems include social discrimination, low self esteem and depression. Physically, health and function is potentially impaired for obese children. In addition, overweight children are more likely to be overweight adults, leading to a lifetime of related health and wellbeing problems.
The basic causes of overweight and obesity for children and adolescents are the same in adults - too much energy intake, with too little energy expenditure. From 1985 to 1995 the mean energy intake of Australian children increased by 11% amongst girls and 15% amongst boys. This increase has been attributed mainly to increased consumption of soft drinks, snacks and fast foods.
Up to one of every four Australian children does not participate in sufficient physical activity to gain health benefit. In 2000, only 56% of Queensland children participated in organised sport, which was lower than the national average of 59%.
The reasons for the problem are evident and the government is taking action in response. There is a need, however, to insure that skills are developed that foster a love of physical activity in children and that recent government effects to not result in draconian fitness regimes that will reduce the likelihood of lifetime participation.
Article by Professor Kerry Mummery
Central Queensland University
