Around 20 to 25 per cent are now overweight or obese, and this can harm their future health. Overweight children are more likely to become overweight adults and have a higher risk of serious problems like heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. Eating too many foods which are high in fat is one reason, but lack of physical activity is another important cause. Our modern lifestyle means we drive rather than walk, and rely on appliances to do work for us. Thanks to remote control, we don't even have to move from our seats to change TV channels or open the garage door.
Many children spend increasing hours in front of the TV or computer instead of playing outdoors.
This lifestyle may be convenient - but it's not healthy. Many parents find it difficult to limit their children's intake of sweets, fatty snack foods and takeaway foods, especially when children say their friends are allowed to eat them. Make it clear that these foods are okay sometimes, but not every day. Avoid foods with 'hidden' fat. Encourage kids to snack on healthy, high fibre foods like bread, fruit bread or fruit by having them within easy reach on the table or kitchen bench.