Keep Your Kids Fit

It can be upsetting enough seeing an adult struggling with a weight problem. Seeing a child struggling with this problem can be heartbreaking. But the statistics show that more and more children are struggling.

On top of the social and practical torments that go hand in hand with being fat, the condition often carries on into adulthood and frequently causes very unwelcome health problems. Type II diabetes and coronary heart disease are two such problems. Frighteningly, there are an increasing number of reports of signs of these serious diseases, normally only seen in older adults, occurring in children.

So what is causing this problem? A major reason is the obvious one - lack of physical activity. Today's children aren't getting enough exercise in or out of school. Getting children to take more exercise, however, can be difficult. They can't comprehend the risks of a sedentary lifestyle and will happily spend their time playing computer games, watching TV and texting friends. Here, then, are five top tips for encouraging your kids to be more active:

* Enjoyment is vital. If they are enjoying themselves, children won't even think about the fact that something is doing them good, and will want to do it again and again. So take notice of what physical activities they want and don't want to do. Don't force them to take up a particular activity just because you think it would be good for them.

* A varied range of suitable activities is ideal. But exercise doesn't have to be a big deal - a kick-about in the park is far more appealing to many children than a Sunday league match.

* A confident child will take part in physical activities more eagerly, so try to avoid putting them in situations where they are of a lesser standard than most/all of those around them.

* Set a good example. If you regularly take part in physical activities, it will encourage the child to do the same. Taking part as a family can be fun, though don't try to force this on older children - they will probably do their utmost to avoid it (very uncool).

* Not all television is bad for a child's fitness. Allowing them to watch their sporting heroes in action can be a great motivating force in getting children to take part in sport themselves. Just don't tell them this…

Please note: If a child is significantly overweight or has any special medical considerations that need to be taken into account, seek their GP's approval and advice before they embark on changes to their current physical activity habits.

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All information on this page is general in scope and does not constitute advice. Always seek personal professional advice before making any decision or applying anything mentioned in any way. Use of information on this page is entirely at your own risk.