Passive parents make for fat kids

Children are more likely to be fat if their parents are inactive, according to a new study that rigorously measured the movements of Kiwi families.

The study has proven parents' activity levels are critical in determining those of their children, and has reignited the debate about whether parents or schools should be taking the lead in the obesity fight.

The Auckland University of Technology (AUT) study, unlike past ones, did not rely on self-reported activity levels from parents but instead used accelerometers (advanced pedometers) to track the movements of Auckland pre- schoolers and their parents.

The 78 children, 62 mothers and 20 fathers who took part had their height, weight, and waist circumference measured and wore accelerometers for a week. The parents were also quizzed about how physically active they were that week with their child or whether they took their child out to a playground, park, beach or similar setting.

Results showed children are more likely to be physically active if their parents were. However, researchers say more detailed work needs to be done to determine exact reasons.

Whether physically active parents provided more support and opportunities for their children to be active or whether children simply picked up on behaviours modelled by their parents was unclear from the research.

Lead researcher Melody Oliver, from AUT's Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, said the key message parents should take from the study was being active would set their children on the path for a healthy, active future.

"Physical activity and sedentary patterns track throughout life - and so does weight - so ensuring our young children achieve a healthy start in life is important, not just for their current wellbeing, but for improved health outcomes in the future."

The government this month changed tack in its battle to reduce child obesity, boosting funding for school sports, but scrapping programmes focused on improving diet. It had already scrapped guidelines banning junk food in school tuck-shops. About 30 percent of Kiwi children are considered obese.

Oliver said the study appeared to support those who argued it was the responsibility of parents, not schools, to teach children how to eat healthily and keep active, but obesity was a societal problem that required multiple responses.

Modern lifestyles and a desire to keep children safe were working against physical activity levels, she said.

"For children, this includes being driven to destinations, watching television, and having increased restrictions on outdoor play such as climbing trees, and playing within the neighbourhood."

Fight the Obesity Epidemic spokeswoman and diabetes specialist Dr Robyn Toomath said increasing physical activity was an excellent way of improving health for all individuals. "We need to make it easier for everyone to be more physically active, including making the environment safer for walking and cycling, instead of building cities around car users."

Phillip Mills, executive director of the Les Mills gym chain, said weight gain and eating habits were laid down during childhood. "We must make the shift from treating disease to promoting and measuring wellbeing. If we don't, obesity and other 'lifestyle diseases' will cripple our society and our economy."

How to keep your child active

For many children, cycling to the park and playing in the backyard have given way to  watching television, playing video games and spending hours online. It is not too late  though to get your kids off the couch and into physical activities.

* If you want active kids, be active yourself. Go for a brisk walk, ride your bike or spend some time gardening. Kids aged six to 17 need at least an hour a day of such moderate activities. Three or more days a week should be more vigorous activities such as running or using a skipping rope. Adults need at least 2.5 hours a week of moderate intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activities.

* Praise, reward and encourage activity. Set goals and have everyone track their activities and progress.

* If your children play video games, opt for those that require movement. Activity-oriented video games such as dance video games and video games that use a player's physical movements to control what happens on the screen boost a child's calorie- burning power.

* Limit the number of hours your children are allowed to watch television. Some paediatricians recommend no more than two hours a day.

* To keep your kids interested in fitness, make it fun.

- © Fairfax NZ News