How much Exercise is enough?
Obesity epidemic
Childhood obesity is becoming an increasing issue in Australia with 20-25% of children being classified as either overweight or obese [1]. This has increased from 11% in 1985 and 20% in 1997 [1]. Since 1985, mean weight has increased by 12kg in males and 6.6kg in females [2].
In Australia, around $8.3 billion was directly attributable to overweight and/or obesity in 2008. Of this, indirect costs such as loss of income and productivity totalled a further $49.9 billion, bringing the total cost of obesity in 2008 to $58 billion [3].
A major concern about childhood obesity is that obese children tend to become obese adults, predisposing them to the health concerns of adults [4].
Benefits of physical activity
- Weight management
- Improves self-esteem
- Builds strong bones and muscles
- Improves fitness, strength, flexibility and balance
- Provides opportunities to make friends
- Helps build social skills
- Develops self discipline and leadership
Physical activity recommendations for children
For children to gain the health benefits associated with being physically active, they must participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity everyday. It is also recommended that children do not spend more than 2 hours a day using electronic media such as television, internet and computer games, particularly during daylight hours [5].
Getting children active
It is important that children find activities that they enjoy. Physical activity is not limited to organised or team sports but includes active play.
Activities may include:
- Walking the dog
- Bike riding
- Swimming
- Helping in the garden
- Playing backyard games, such as cricket
- Dancing
- Skateboarding
References
[1] Booth, M., Okely, A.D., Denney-Wilson, E., Hardy, L., Yang, B. & Dobbins, T. (2006). NSW Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey (SPANS) 2004: Full Report. Sydney: NSW Department of Health.
[2] Hands, B., Parker, H., Glasson, C., Brinkman, S. & Read, H. (2004). Physical Activity and Nutrition Levels in Western Australian Children and Adolescents: Report. Perth, Western Australia: Western Australian Government.
[3] Diabetes Australia. (2008). Growing economic costs of obesity in 2008. Retrieved March 15, 2009 from http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/en/News--Events1/News/Media-Release---Growing-cost-of-obesity/
[4] Venn, A., Thomson, R.J., Schmidt, M.D., Cleland, V.J., Curry, B.A., Gennat, H.C. & Dwyer, T. (2007). Overweight and obesity from childhood to adulthood: a follow-up of participants in the 1985 Australian Schools Health and Fitness Survey. Med. J. Aust, 186, 458-460.
[5] Department of Health and Ageing. (2007). Australia's physical activity recommendations for children and young people. Retrieved July 16, 2009 from http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-pubhlth-strateg-active-recommend.htm
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