Govt Announces New Plans To Cut Childhood Obesity By Half
Parents and au pairs in the UK who look after children will certainly want to make sure the kids in their care are as healthy and active as possible, which is why many will be pleased the government is taking steps to curb the problem of obesity in children.
Earlier this week, health and social care secretary Jeremy Hunt announced new measures to halve the number of obese kids in the UK by 2030.
The government will do this through a combination of restricting access to unhealthy foods for children, and encouraging schools to promote fitness and activity among youngsters.
Mr Hunt acknowledged that keeping children “healthy and active can be difficult”, as the temptation for kids to want sugary sweets and snacks when they see them is hard to ignore.
Public health minister Steve Brine weighed in on the conversation, adding that one in three kids are overweight by the time they enter secondary school.
“Overconsumption, combined with reduced activity, is having a catastrophic effect on our children’s health,” he stated.
The government’s plans include preventing shops from displaying unhealthy items at the check-out or advertising buy-one-get-one-free deals of these sugary snacks.
There will also be clearer and more consistent calorie labels in restaurants, cafes and takeaways, so carers can be more aware of what foods they are giving to their kids.
It will consult on banning caffeinated drinks to children and restricting TV and online adverts that promote unhealthy foods.
The government will also work closely with primary schools to introduce initiatives such as the Daily Mile, encouraging children to walk a mile every day.
This was originally set up by a former headteacher in 2012 to ensure children are continuing to exercise outside of their PE lessons and playtimes, including during holiday periods.
Kids who have already incorporated the Daily Mile into their routine are more active, faster and have a healthier body weight, the Daily Mail reported.