Obesity awareness week

ePolitix.com Stakeholders comment on 'obesity awareness week'.

Play England

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Adrian Voce, director of Play England, part of the National Children’s Bureau, said: "It is a terrible irony that, as a society, we are racking our brains to find ways of making children more active just because of the impact that a sedentary lifestyle has on their long-term health.

"Children are naturally active and given half the chance - and the right space - they hop, skip, run, jump and climb as naturally as breathing.

"Outdoor play is an essential component of a healthy childhood but it is also crucial for children’s social, emotional and creative development and, most importantly of all, their enjoyment of childhood. It is urgent that more is done to ensure that all children have the time and space for free play … for at least an hour a day."

Government Response

Caroline Flint said: "Tackling overweight and obesity in children is complex because there are many factors which contribute to the problem. And while we have been successful in raising awareness of the importance of good nutrition  and exercise, putting that awareness into action has proved more difficult for some families.

"We know young families are aware of the 5 A Day message but are not necessarily eating 5 A Day. Top Tips for Top Mums will help families share ideas about what works for them in overcoming the barriers to a healthy diet.

"Over the next 12 months we will be rolling out a series of other initiatives linking in with partner organisations across the public sector, the food manufacturing and retail sector and with voluntary organisations to support families live a healthy life based on a helathy diet and increased physically activity.

"The Healthy Living Initiative is about providing support when and where it's required and in a way that people will respond to."

Party Response: Conservatives

Commenting on the government’s initiative to tackle obesity, shadow health minister Andrew Murrison said: "There is no question that the Government has not done enough and what they have done has not been done quickly enough. When it comes to implementation they have failed so far.

"Obesity is mostly caused by poor diet and insufficient exercise. We would like to see the food and fitness industries working together and with government to defuse the obesity time bomb."