Fitness expert urges parents to lead by example
Eating a healthy diet and taking part in regular physical activity are important if parents want to have a positive influence on their children's lives.That is according to Elaine Sawetz, a fitness and obesity consultant, whose comments follow research from the British Toy and Hobby Association and Play England, which revealed parents want their children to play more.
Ms Sawetz said: "The best thing that you can do to help a child achieve and maintain a healthy weight is to encourage the whole family to enjoy healthy eating and being physically active."
She suggested that if parents lead by example, their children will be more likely to engage in physical activity.
Getting active, she said, was also a good way to prevent children from developing diabetes and she implied it was also an important way for youngsters to maintain a healthy weight.
Perhaps surprisingly, children who live in the countryside are less likely to play outside than those in urban areas, according to a survey by Crealy Great Adventure Parks.
