This week is the week we begin the next children’s healthy weight programme at the obesity scheme I work on. Obesity is a major problem in this country and seems to be rising dramatically every year, especially in children. It’s shocking that 25% of young people in the UK are classified as obese or overweight. That is more than anywhere else in Europe.
In order to makes changes to combat obesity in children it is important to be able to identify the contributing circumstances that have lead to the childhood obesity epidemic in the UK. Some of the primary risk factors include:
Watching more than eight hours of television a week - this includes being at the computer and playstations, Sleeping fewer than 10.5 hours each night, Both parents are obese. Check out the diagram below and see if you can figure out if you are on the cycle:
According to a study, The NHS in Scotland are “fighting a losing battle” against child obesity. The study found three quarters of health staff don’t know how to diagnose or treat the condition. The Glasgow University researchers found 72.5 per cent of staff who deal with overweight kids didn’t know the guidelines and only 35 per cent would be able to identify an obese child – this is really sad as the obesity problem is only going to get worse. In order to prevent this, we need to urge health boards to address the issue by adopting specialised training courses for health professionals.
The obesity scheme I work on is brilliant, the staff are trained a couple times a year with relevant training on how to deal with, control and prevent child obesity. This is vital that every health professional is aware of the issues of obesity, how to recognise it, how to treat it and how to prevent it. It is important we help children and their families understand the benefits of good nutrition!
The Scottish government claim: “NHS Health Scotland are developing training for staff working in child healthy weight programmes.” I hope they stick to this as it is shocking that Scotland has one of the highest levels of child obesity in the Western world, with 22 per cent of six-year-olds classed as overweight.
This week at the healthy weight programme it is just the introduction sessions which give everyone a chance to meet and be introduced to the programme. I am currently the Activity Leader for the sessions and occasionally take nutrition workshops with the families.
Information about the programme:
It is an exciting and motivating programme, which has already supported over 160 families in Luton to work as a team to achieve their health goals. The programme is FREE and available to all families with children aged between 5 to 15 years old.
The next cohorts are set to start January 2013 (or if your quick you can get onto the September one) and are held at the following locations:
To book in your FREE consultation contact the office and speak to manager Matthew Hudson or Co-ordinator Catherine Hutchinson on 01582 486826.
One of the best strategies to reduce childhood obesity is to improve the diet and exercise habits of your entire family – SO get yourself onto the programme or come along to Healthy Solutions Classes at Barton Le Clay, Tuesdays 7pm-8pm. The class involves a wide range of exercises and I can offer a nutrition workshop for anyone who needs advice on how to change their current behaviours. Exercise and healthy eating go hand in hand. Combining the two is the result of overall health and wellbeing!
Also COMING SOON.. A family exercise/activity class once a week in Luton (It will only go ahead if there is enough interest, so contact me if you are interested) Work together as a family to achieve your health goals.
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