Did you know that more than a fifth of Australian kids are overweight or obese? And, according to new research, scientists believe they’ve found the reasons why.
According to the New South Wales Physical and Nutrition Survey – a piece of research conducted every five years – poor eating habits and low health literacy are to blame for the startling number of Aussie kids who are overweight or obese.
Collecting data from more than 7,500 kids, researchers discovered that one quarter of children don’t eat breakfast, while one in 10 can easily access, and consume, soft drinks at home.
Scientists also found that one in four children aren’t getting enough sleep at night, and one in 10 sit in front of the TV to eat their dinner.
It’s these behavioural discoveries that, as researchers suggest, contribute to childhood obesity. The study, which is yet to be published, stresses the importance exercise and a healthy diet can have on our kids now and, ultimately, the future.
As Better Health Victoria advocates, eating a nutritionally sound diet is paramount to good health. Here, we round up their top tips for getting your children into a healthy eating routine.
Don’t skip breakfast; generally, breakfast foods contain calcium, iron, dietary fibre and vitamins vital for energy and mind stimulation, as well as maintaining a healthy weight.
Curb their sugar intake. It is recommended that kids should only eat a limited amount of food that contain sugar in and should sidestep foods with added sugar altogether (think lollies, cordial, fruit and soft drinks).
Infants and children should be encouraged to drink water before other types of drinks
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