Children not doing enough physical activity for their health

Children and young people in Northern Ireland are becoming increasingly inactive, which is contributing to a growing number being overweight or obese. A joint seminar by the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland (HPA) and Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) to examine ways to increase participation in sport and physical activity, and reverse the sedentary trend among the young, was held today in Kells.

More than a third (35%) of all 2-15 year olds in Northern Ireland are overweight or obese and physical inactivity among young people is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, cancer and osteoporosis in later life.^1,2 It is recommended that children should participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. The most recent research shows that over half (53%) of 11-16 year olds do not participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day on four or more days a week.³

Nicola Browne, Senior Manager for Physical Activity at the HPA, said: "It is essential to promote lifelong participation in sport and physical activity and we've brought together professionals who work with children and young people in this area, to provide them with practical examples and solutions of how to encourage an interest in regular sport and physical activity.

"There are also many things parents can do at home to encourage their children to be more active, such as planning fun activities as a family, involving children in the decision making and encouraging them to play outside, as well as limiting television and computer time to less than two hours a day. When buying children gifts, choose toys that encourage physical activity rather than computer games or DVDs. Parents can set an example - if they are eating healthily and being active themselves, their children are more likely to do so."

Eamonn McCartan, Chief Executive of SNI, said: "We recognise that taking part in sport and physical recreation is essential for enhancing health and preventing obesity. It is particularly important at this early age to form good lifestyle habits and encourage lifelong participation, and to educate people of the benefits of sport and physical recreation to both physical and mental health and wellbeing."

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Notes to the editor
The Promoting sport and physical activity for children and young people seminar was held at the Ross Park Hotel, Kells.

For media enquiries contact the HPA Press Office on Tel: 028 9031 1611.

1. Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. Northern Ireland Health and Wellbeing Survey 2005-06. Belfast: NISRA, 2007.
2. World Health Organization. Global strategy on diet, physical activity and health. Geneva: WHO, 2004.
3. Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. Young persons' behaviour and attitudes survey 2007. Belfast: NISRA, 2008.