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Helping UK Schoolchildren Lose Weight through Increased Play

Tuesday 17th of April 2007 11:24:18 PM

For many primary school girls, standing on the playground or watching boys play football is the extent of their physical activity. This is due in part to peer pressure and uniforms the girls are wearing, which are not functional for sports activities. Studies conducted by the University of London have shown that when encouraged, girls will join in on physical activities. Schools are asked to be ‘more proactive about encouraging girls to maintain physical activity’. "This includes encouraging or even compelling all children to wear clothes suitable for active play, such as Sweatshirts, trousers and trainers,” according to the study.

When it comes to playground organisation, it is recommended that schools designate places for boys and girls to play and to set-up activities that girls will want to play which includes sports such as hockey, football, and rugby. This will help girls get around the peer pressure and be able to remain physically fit.

Another issue brought up in the study was the fact that children in general are not as physically active as they have been in the past. Many children no longer walk to school, which means they aren’t as active during the day. "We have to understand that we're catching up with the States - there's a very small window in which we can do something about this," said clinical director of the National Obesity Forum, David Haslam.

Since more than a quarter of all schoolchildren are overweight in the UK, getting them to participate in daily physical activity is important for their physical and emotional well being. Schools can do their part by encouraging more activity during recess, and parents can do their part by getting their children involved in activities that will allow their children to be active and social with other children.

(c)Amir Rochman, www.sxc.hu