Obesity in children and young people in the UK is rising, and this week (5-11 July) happens to be National Childhood Obesity Week. The Millennium Cohort Study in 2007 found that more than a third of young people aged 11 to 15 are overweight or obese. And according to social enterprise Mend (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition ... Do It!), children as young as five are already showing signs of heart disease caused by poor diets and sedentary lifestyles.
Start a discussion about obesity in young people. Why might a young person become overweight or obese? Food can be a source of conflict for some young people. Talk about how young people having a hard time might turn to food for comfort. Consider how overeating and obesity can impact on young people's self-esteem.
In most cases, obesity is preventable. Discuss the benefits of being more active. By taking regular exercise, young people will not only keep their weight under control but will have more energy, be less stressed and will sleep better. They may also have fewer health problems in the future. It's important for young people's wellbeing to try to exercise every day. Kicking a football around in the park, walking or cycling to meet friends are easy ways to become more active.
Talk about healthy foods. What meals or snacks do young people think are healthy? Remember: it's not just fat content or calories that should be considered. Many foods are also high in salt and sugar. What foods might fit these criteria? Some breakfast cereals contain lots of sugar, while items such as tinned soups and baked beans can contain large amounts of salt.
Ask young people to think about portion sizes. Do they know what a healthy portion size is? Do parents have responsibility towards their children when it comes to food? Should they control how much their children eat? Think about how simple food swaps can improve young people's diets. Switching from full-fat milk to semi-skimmed, and white bread, pasta and rice to wholemeal versions is a good start.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has recommended banning artificial fats in foods. Do young people think this will help stop obesity? Are people responsible for their own calorie intake? Is banning certain fats from food necessary? Do we need national guidelines on how to stop people becoming obese? It is okay to eat sweets, cakes and crisps occasionally but foods like these should be seen as treats.
