Obesity
Obesity
Obesity is one of the leading causes of preventable ill health, disability and premature death in the UK. It presents a huge public health challenge and there are no clear examples globally where any country has so far has managed to reverse the upward trend. For adults, almost two thirds of men and over half of adult women are overweight or obese. We now have a much better idea of what proportion of children are overweight and obese since the introduction of the National Child Measurement Programme . Children are now having their Body Mass Index ( BMI) assessed at Reception (4-5 year olds) and in Year 6 ( 10-11 year olds). These show that :- Over one in five 4-5 year olds are overweight or obese ( 13% overweight ,9.9% obese) One in three 10-11 year olds are overweight or obese( 14.2% overweight, 17.5% obese) These figures are even higher in areas where families are less well off !Fit For Football tackles the issue of obesity through encouraging children to eat more healthily and to take more exercise. Patterns of food intake and physical activity that are established in childhood are difficult to change and have a long term effect on health. Children at Primary school are however still very receptive to change and often surprise their parents with interest in different foods or in new activities after completing the Fit For Football sessions. We understand, however, that the issue is complex and there are many influences on children’s lifestyles than affect their choices.
Fit For Football therefore promotes alongside these messages the wider theme of well-being so that health is looked at more holistically. Being Fit For Football is therefore not just about having the energy to run around a football pitch or eating the ‘right’ foods, but includes many of the wider determinants of health such as self confidence, self esteem, being a team player, playing fairly etc.
