In case you haven't heard, the British government - in an effort to combat childhood obesity - has just issued guidelines recommending that children under the age of 5 get at least 3 hours of exercise a day. The activities can be as simple as playing, walking to school, or lifting kettle balls like in the photo to the right. (Okay, just kidding about the last one).
The U.K. Department of Health is hoping that by encouraging such a fitness plan, toddlers will be encouraged to adopt healthier habits and minimize sedentary activities - like being in a stroller or playpen or in front of the television. Explained Maura Gillespie, head of policy and advocacy at the British Heart Foundation, in a statement:
...It's vital that parents introduce children to fun and physically active pastimes to help prevent them becoming obese children, who are likely to become obese adults at risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.
Previously: How to combat childhood obesity? Try everything, Obesity prevention in high-risk kids – challenging but worth it, Obesity in kids: A growing and dangerous epidemic, Stanford pediatrician discusses developing effective program to curtail childhood obesity and Major effort launched to prevent, treat childhood obesity
Via TIME Healthland
Photo by bioniticteaching
