Shocking truth of childhood obesity
NSW researchers conclude that excessive eating – not lack of exercise – is behind soaring childhood obesity. The study of over 5000 NSW state school students looked at trends in physical activity, modes of travel to and from school, fundamental movement skill proficiency, sedentary behaviours, fitness levels, food habits and eating patterns, risk factors for chronic disease and the body composition of children and young people in NSW.
Lead researcher, Michael Booth, found that although the children were exercising much more than in the 1990s, they were still gaining excess weight. Booth comments on the influence of TV advertising, toy give aways, and sports sponsorship.
Read more: Sydney Morning Herald, 22 April 2006
Read the report: The NSW Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey (SPANS) 2004 Summary Report (PDF)