A
recent study has found that 1 in 3 primary school children is overweight
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However exercising for just 15 minutes a day can have real health benefits and prolong life. We've got some fun activities and motivation tips to get your started!
The goodtomove campaign is here to help parents make small changes that will have a big impact. We've got ideas to help motivate kids to move more and more importantly, have fun! We want you to try getting your kids to do just 15 minutes worth of exercise a day. We've also got some great tips from Olympic gold medalist, and mum of 3 Denise Lewis on what activities get her kids motivated.
Obesity - the facts
Obesity stems from an unhealthy diet, if too much fat and calories are being consumed and your child is not doing enough exercise they will become overweight or obese. Obesity is rapidly on the rise in the UK and if things continue 90% of kids will be overweight or obese by 2050, with the main causes being over nutrition and an idle lifestyle. Making sure your child gets their 5-a-day and limiting 'treats' like chocolate and crisps (maybe to once a week) is still high on the agenda but getting them to move more is equally important.
Daughters of overweight mothers are 10 times more likely to be overweight by the time they are aged 8 than a daughter born to a slim mother. There is a similar worry for sons of obese fathers, they are 6 times more likely to be overweight.
More than 2.3million children in the UK are already overweight or obese and many under 12s are showing early signs of high blood pressure, headaches, cholesterol and diabetes.
How can moving more help?
The benefits of moving more and motivating your child to try new activities are endless. It's not just about their weight, moving more and taking part in a more healthy lifestyle will improve their concentration levels, confidence, mood, self-esteem, skin problems and help with any breathing difficulties they may have.
If your kids are determined to stay on the sofa Denise's top tips for motivation will help. We've also got a FREE downloadable fun time planner, why not get some stickers and every 15 minutes they do an activity or move more give them a sticker. You could include stars for homework and chores too. They'll love getting stars and stickers and will feel proud week on week when their planner is looking full.
Get the kids moving more
- 30 fun ways to get your kids to move more - Advice from Denise Lewis on how to motivate kids to move more - FREE downloads to kickstart the fun - Healthy kids lunchboxes - Tempting foods for small children - Get kids to eat their greens - Stopping kids eating junk food
