Tackling obesity in children: Footsteps meets Governments 10 year plan

It is a worrying statistic, that today nearly a third of children aged 2 to 15 are overweight or obese. It is well documented that younger generations are becoming obese at earlier ages and staying obese for longer. The Government have launched a new initiative which aims to significantly reduce England’s rate of childhood obesity within the next ten years. However, long-term, sustainable change will only be achieved through the active engagement of schools, communities, families and individuals.

Footsteps are committed to enabling our children to have a healthy attitude to food and to exercise.  Our incredible outside spaces – free flow garden, allotments and playing fields as well as the surrounding areas give our children ample opportunity to run and play, as well as take controlled risks in a variety of environments. We always offer our children a variety of healthy snacks and meals and take time to teach them about healthy fruits and vegetables in a fun and interactive way.

Obesity is a complex problem with many influencing factors, including behaviour, environment, genetics and culture. However, at its root, obesity is caused by an energy imbalance: taking in more energy through food than we use through activity. Physical activity is commonly associated with many health benefits for children. These include muscle and bone strength, health and fitness, improved quality of sleep and maintenance of a healthy weight. There is also evidence that physical activity and participating in organised activities is linked to improved academic performance.

Providing opportunities for the best possible learning environment has always been the approach at Footsteps, and we are proud that our ethos results in a setting focused on both physical and emotional wellbeing.

For more information on the Government policy visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/childhood-obesity-a-plan-for-action/childhood-obesity-a-plan-for-action

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