Families Fighting Fat

It seems you can’t go anywhere without hearing or reading about something to do with obesity - whether it’s on TV or radio, in the paper or flicking through a magazine. The latest news is that New Zealand is the third fattest country in the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development). Out of 30 countries, New Zealand has the third highest rate of obesity; 26.5% of the population. America comes out tops with 34.3% - no surprises there, followed by Mexico with 30% - time to put down the corn chips.
Furthermore, it’s not likely to improve in a hurry, the next generation of kiwi’s are getting just as big. In a Secondary School Survey in 2007, about a quarter or the respondents are classed as overweight and 10% being obese. Unfortunately past trends show that big kids will turn into even bigger adults.

The answer to the problem is far from simple although in concept it seems to be. People are overweight because they eat too much. Whether it’s the wrong type of food, or they aren’t exercising enough, the large bottom line is they are consuming more food than their body needs. To stop or even reverse the trends a person needs to simply eat less and exercise more. However with obesity rates increasing maybe it’s not as simple as it appears.

Sooner or later health problems come with being overweight. These problems, if left, will hinder upon all aspects of a person’s life. Because teenagers and young people are becoming more overweight, they will encounter these problems earlier in their life and live unnecessarily through it....and that’s not OK.

The risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other health problems are significantly increased by carrying excess weight. Again the simple answer is to eat less, or to exercise more, or better yet, a combination of both. Regular physical activity has been shown to improve health, both physically and mentally. Activity helps to reduce weight, improve depression, increase strength and help with coordination, flexibility and mobility. The sooner young people are involved with activity the better.

As always the family setting is a great opportunity to teach anything and parents can be a great helper, motivator and a good example. Activities don’t have to be expensive or elaborate. Going to the park, the beach, or in this weather, the pool are all easy, cost effective activities a family can be involved with.

Sport Manawatu have activity resources and programmes such as Active Movement for 0 to 5 year olds, iMove for primary children, secondary school development, information on clubs and its newest programme - Active Families.

A community based health initiative, Active Families is designed to increase physical activity in children and young people aged 5-18 years old. The programme helps families to embrace healthier and more active lifestyles through encouragement, education, nutritional guidance and by realistic goal setting and ongoing support. It addresses weight issues and other health problems through increasing levels of activity. Although Active Families targets youth and teenagers who need help getting physically active, the programme looks to incorporate the whole family in all the activities.

To find out more about Active Families contact Sport Manawatu on 0800 ACTIVE (0800 228 483) or visit sportmanawatu.org.nz.