Access to private schools' facilities 'could cut obesity'
Thursday, 20 Mar 2008 00:01
All local children should have access to independent schools' sports facilities, study says
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Giving all local children access to independent schools' sports facilities could target the UK's obesity crisis, a thinktank claims today.
The New Local Government Network (NLGN), says the government should force independent schools who receive charity status to share their gyms, sports pitches and swimming pools with local sports clubs for at least ten hours per week.
Last year the Foresight report warned that if current levels continue then a quarter of children will be obese by 2050.
The report recommended society-wide solutions to reduce the nation's waistlines.
Today's study from the NLGN says one of these solutions lies within the private schools sector.
It claims research shows access to sports facilities increases fitness activity by 50 per cent.
Other proposals to target obesity include extending the ban on selling vending machine junk food in schools to include all public buildings.
The study says all public offices have a duty to promote healthy eating and living and should also include showers and changing facilities to encourage staff to walk or cycle to work.
Weighing up the Advantages also calls for planning law to promote healthy living by ensuring every new building development include sports and fitness facilities, such as space for a small gym.