Calls for lifestyle changes to tackle childhood obesity

LIFESTYLE changes are needed to tackle the high number of children who are overweight or obese, the Guernsey Velo Club president has said.

Gary Wallbridge, pictured, has also suggested that more funding towards sport development would help to reduce the problem.

A Health and Social Services measurement survey has revealed that a third of Year 5 children are overweight or obese.

The figure did not surprise Mr Wallbridge or the Guernsey Sports Commission, which works alongside the weight management school nurse and the community dietician in delivering a course aimed at seven- to 11-year-olds with weight concerns, and their families.

Mr Wallbridge said children were no longer as active as they used to be due to lifestyle changes. 'We have around 160 youngsters with us and we get those that want to come along and be active,' he said.

'If you go around the schools you see a segment of children that are not taking enough exercise or are living the wrong lifestyle. Children used to play in the garden a lot more – they were outdoors on their feet or on a bike. Now, they go home and flop into an armchair rather than play outside.'