Opinion: Tim Barber, Trustee – Wade’s Charity
The Government have expressed concerns about the growing problem of Childhood obesity in Britain – with now over 30% of children between the ages two and 15 classed as overweight or obese.
Research shows that more children are becoming obese at earlier ages and staying obese for longer creating huge problems in later life.
The risks associated with childhood obesity includes doubling the risk of dying early and being 7 times more likely to become type 2 diabetic than adults of a healthy weight which may cause blindness or limb amputation.
There are also increased likelihood of heart disease and depression as well as other negative issues which can put a drain on the NHS. In fact NHS England estimates it spends over £5 billion a year on obesity related ill health – so just think what else that money could be better spent on?
Childhood obesity is more prevalent in children of low income backgrounds living in more deprived areas. It is a complex issue with many drivers but the main cause is an Energy Imbalance. It’s not rocket science but children are taking in more energy through food than they use through activity.
Children generally have become more inactive, multiple TV channels, computer games, mobile phones, computers and social media have all become alternatives to sport and physical activities. Less children are using jumpers for goal posts and going home to play FIFA computer games online.
But how do we change this?
There is a huge amount of evidence proving regular physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits for children and particularly with regard to lowering obesity levels. The simple act of burning up energy means it’s not put on as fat.
Studies show that children who lived closer to parks and green open spaces are far less likely to be obese. These open spaces are often used after school and weekends for activity, sport and recreation.
There was a direct correlation showing the closer to a park a child lived the lower the chance of obesity. The report stated “that physical characteristics of the built up environment surrounding a child’s home or school can influence physical activity and health outcomes” and that “Parks and open green space provide structured settings for exercise and shape opportunities for physical activity, affecting the development of obesity”.
Many residents of Leeds are unaware of Wade’s Charity, the small grants we provide small charities and the wealth of parks and green spaces we own in the city. They are often surprised to find out that Wade’s Charity lands include Middleton Park, Gotts Park in Armley and Beckett Park in Headingley, which we own and lease to Leeds City Council at a peppercorn rent.
We also own many playing fields and recreation grounds in Leeds in areas such as Armley, Kirkstrall, Burmantofts, Rodley, Adel, Osmondthorpe, East Leeds, Cross Green and Hunslet, as well as communal open spaces such as the woodland at Gledhow.
These green spaces are used by thousands of people a day for dog walks, bike rides, sport, play or just a relaxing stroll – all of which improve health and use up energy. Our open spaces have tangible benefits with the reduction of childhood obesity, providing places for children to play and exercise.
With so many parks owned by Wade’s it allows access to be available to those from all walks of life including more deprived areas of the city – something which not all UK cities benefit from.
And as research shows children living closer to these areas are less likely to be overweight as naturally they will graduate to using the areas for physical activity and energy burning. We really do think that this helps Wade’s land to be recognized as Leeds Natural Health Service.
The Government have now implemented a plan aimed at tackling childhood obesity, but much of it focusses on reducing sugar and lowering calorie intake in children. We believe that increased physical activity in children will also help solve the Obesity issue – by getting kids to be more active – their calorie input becomes less of an issue.
Wade’s Charity are providing the spaces – for Leeds Natural Health Service to help with obesity, but we need help from parents, teachers, youth groups, sports clubs and mentors to get children using these spaces to become more active, get fitter, feel stronger and have fun!
To find out more about Wade’s Charity including our small grants scheme, our green open spaces and a history that dates back to 1530 (we’re Leeds oldest charity) – visit www.wadescharity.org.
