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Play can help combat obesity, says the BHF
According to a recent study published by the British Medical Journal, poor physical control and coordination in childhood are linked to an increased risk of obesity in later life. And the way to avoid this, according to Ellen Mason, Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation, is child’s play.
Leonie Wilson, SkillsActive - 14/08/2008
In her response to the research, Ellen emphasises the importance of physical activity and opportunities for freely chosen play during childhood:
“Making sure that all children can enjoy physical activity, regardless of their co-ordination skills, is critical in reducing the risk of becoming overweight as they grow up.
“The BHF believes unstructured, free play should be a part of every childhood experience. We want government and schools to dedicate a similar level of resource to encouraging free play at school as they do to competitive sports.”
Click here to read the study from BMJ.com
