Kids' physical inactivity at 'epidemic level'
Monday, 28 May 2007 00:02
Not enough children are walking to school
Physical inactivity in inner city children has reached an epidemic level, one of the largest studies of physical activity and children has concluded.
Both white and Asian children are failing to exercise on a daily basis and in families where there is a history of diabetes or heart disease not enough steps are being taken to ensure the next generation ward the diseases off.
Researchers from the University of Leicester made the claims after studying 3,500 pupils from inner city secondary schools in Leicester.
Only half the children walked to school, with fewer south Asian children than white going on foot.
And half of those surveyed spent four or more hours a day playing computer games or watching television.
Concerns were raised in the report particularly at the level of physical inactivity in south Asian children; previous research has found evidence of increased risk of cardiovascular risk factors in children of south Asian origin compared to white children.
Researcher Professor Kamlesh Khunti said the study's findings show that "the need to implement prevention strategies for childhood obesity is a major target for the government and health care professionals".
"Inactive behaviour, such as watching television, may predict subsequent adult overweight and obesity in children and adolescent," he said.
"This study shows that overall the physical activity levels in inner city school children are very low and parents, schools and community health providers need to address the results of these findings to reduce their future risks of developing diabetes and heart disease in children."
Dr Mike Knapton, director of prevention and care at the BHF, said that the study is an "important" piece of research.
"This large study tells us more about the lifestyle differences of ethnic groups which helps us understand why some groups are more at risk from heart disease," he explained.
"Research like this will help us to better tailor health care and health education to today's multicultural UK population."