Results from a massive survey of Change4Life families show that almost
three quarters (72 per cent) of their children are not getting 60 minutes
of daily activity outside of school. The campaign's new TV ad, which
launches today, urges families get up and about more in an effort to cut
levels of obesity.
The 'How Are The Kids Survey', launched in January, is the biggest
national survey of children's diet and activity levels, and received more
than 260,000 responses from families across England.
The survey of change4life families also found that 45 per cent of their
kids watched TV or played non-active video games before school, and only
22 per cent did something active after their evening meal.
Since the survey began, families have been sent tailor made support packs
to help them make small but important changes to their daily routines. A
new Change4Life advert focusing on getting families more active, hits
screens today and will add encouragement to that support.
The new advert responds to the need for families to get more physical
activity into their daily routines - to make sure that the energy in, is
matched by the energy out.
The ad features the Change4Life family as they realise that 'sitting
around doing nothing' can lead to a build up of fat in their bodies that
can cause diseases such as type two diabetes, cancer and heart disease.
The family find lots of fun ways to get their kids 60 active minutes -
playing in the park, walking to school and playing with active computer
games where kids need to jump and dance around.
Dawn Primarolo, Minister for Public Health said:
"Our survey shows that kids just aren't getting up and about as much as
they should. If we're going to cut obesity levels our children need to be
active for at least 60 minutes a day.
"Families up and down the country are getting tailor made action plans
from Change4Life, and our new ads will give additional encouragement to
help families feel the difference.
"By eating better and moving more, we can all live longer and healthier
lives. With continued support from Change4Life this can be a reality for
every family in England."
Source
Department of Health, UK