Fitness is more important than losing weight

Interesting medical research has revealed that being physically fit could have more an impact on health than managing your weight. A study of 15,000 men showed that maintaining or increasing fitness levels was associated with lower risks of dying, even if their body weight increased or remained static. Researchers also found that increased levels of activity, over a period of 6 years was associated with a 19% lower risk of heart and circulatory disease. Of course it's always healthier to stay within your ideal weight boundaries suggested by The Body Mass Index (BMI) and stay under 25. Cancer Research UK says that around 40% of cancers that occur in patients each year are due to a poor lifestyle such as lack of exercise, bad food choices and smoking. In other words these can be avoided if a more healthier lifestyle is followed. Further evidence suggests that exercise plays a major role in recovering from cancer. Figures from Macmillan Cancer Support indicate that those recovering from breast and prostate cancer can reduce their mortality risk by 30-40% if they perform 150 minutes of physical activity each week, compared to those doing fewer than 60 minutes each week. Macmillan claims that there needs to be a cultural shift so that people see physical activity as "an integral part of their lives, not just an optional add on."

UK children are missing out on outdoor play

A study conducted by Savlon and Play England found that children prefer to play outside rather then do indoor activities, such as playing computer games when given the choice. Playing at a beach or river scored the most with 88%, playing in the park 79%, riding a bike 77% and ball games 76%. The study which involved 2,000 respondents also found that 1 in 5 children have never played in fields and farmland and 1 in 6 have never played in woods or forests, this compares to nearly 60% of adults who played there every week when they were children. Also 60% of parents would prefer their children to play outside more but prevented them doing so due to safety concerns. Also due to safety fears 1 in 4 parents would prefer their children to play on the computer than climb a tree and 1 in 5 prefer computer games instead of playing in fields and farmland. With 1 in 3 children now either overweight or obese in this country it's ironic that keeping our children indoors thinking that we're keeping them safe maybe doing them more harm than good. Inactivity and high fat/sugar foods such as crisps, fizzy drinks and sweets are turning our children into a nation of fatties. If we carry on as we are 9 out of 10 children may grow up with dangerous amounts of fat in their bodies which will put them at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer later on in life. Surely a more healthy balance could be struck in order that children can fulfill their natural curiosity and love of adventure in playing outside and taking some controlled risks but within safe and secure boundaries that will suit parents.