Outdoor play could reduce high number of obese youngsters
10/12/2009 High numbers of children are obese by the time they start school, which could be prevented through more outdoor play.
According to new figures from the NHS, one in four boys and one in five girls are obese or overweight when they start at school.
Rates of obesity among pupil's increases to almost one in three by the time children finish year six.
The figures come from a voluntary scheme operating in schools which measures children's weight. A report on the BBC states that the actual figure could be higher as parents of overweight children were more likely to opt out.
London, the West Midlands and the north-east all had higher levels of childhood obesity than the national average. Overall the level of obesity has remained stable, suggesting that anti-obesity programmes have not been working.
Statistics released recently from the British Heart Foundation revealed that just 11 per cent of children are taking part in the 60 minutes recommended exercise or outdoor play.
Experts believe that ten minutes spent on a trampoline is as effective as 30 minutes spend running.
According to new figures from the NHS, one in four boys and one in five girls are obese or overweight when they start at school.
Rates of obesity among pupil's increases to almost one in three by the time children finish year six.
The figures come from a voluntary scheme operating in schools which measures children's weight. A report on the BBC states that the actual figure could be higher as parents of overweight children were more likely to opt out.
London, the West Midlands and the north-east all had higher levels of childhood obesity than the national average. Overall the level of obesity has remained stable, suggesting that anti-obesity programmes have not been working.
Statistics released recently from the British Heart Foundation revealed that just 11 per cent of children are taking part in the 60 minutes recommended exercise or outdoor play.
Experts believe that ten minutes spent on a trampoline is as effective as 30 minutes spend running.
