2 Dec, 2015
Letter from activematters to the House of Commons Health Committee
Open Letter from ‘activematters’, highlighting issues with and in response to the House of Commons Health Committee | Childhood obesity — brave and bold action | First Report of Session 2015-2016
Whilst ‘activematters’ is broadly supportive of the recommendations – the down-playing/muted presence of physical activity throughout is of very serious concern. Furthermore – its omission from the summary of recommendations is cause for alarm.
activematters |These are our specific concerns:
- P3 ‘…although physical activity has enormous benefits – regardless of weight – encouraging people to increase their physical activity levels alone is unlikely to have an impact on the obesity crisis’
- activematters response: We agree that increasing levels of physical activity alone will not solve the problem. However, we have consistently presented an argument for an holistic approach to young children’s overall health/well-being in which physical activity plays a significant role
- P7.’Exercise – or lack of it is thus an important factor – but it would be a mistake to imagine that childhood obesity can be prevented solely by increasing physical activity’
- activematters response: We agree with this statement – but would point out that 90% of young children do not experience the daily CMO recommendation of 180 mins daily physical activity – the minimum that would support their smooth overall development – let alone ensure a healthy weight
- P11. ‘We reiterate and endorse the findings of our predecessor’s enquiry that exercise has enormous benefits for children’s health and well-being irrespective of their weight. We call on government. to increase provision for physical activity in childhood and consider it an important part of the strategy to tackle obesity. We urge the government, however, not to lose sight of the clear evidence that measures to improve the food environment to reduce calorie intake must lie at the heart of a successful strategy, as these measures are likely to have a greater overall impact on childhood obesity levels’
- activematters response: For all young children – physical activity is of CRITICAL importance in maintaining a healthy weight and promoting a lifelong interest in health/well-being/activity with the positive support and encouragement of parents/carers. If it is really considered ‘an important part of the strategy’ – let us see a cohesive action plan that would back up this claim
- P21 – Quote from Jeanelle de Gruchy – assoc. of Directors of Public Health – ‘…The concern we might have is that, as council budgets are reduced, they will be looking at other ways in which we can improve health and you get this quite conflicting area again of the sponsorship with the branding of particular drinks or food companies linked to kids being physically active’
- activematters response: It is a major concern, that whilst the recommendations throughout the Report focus on the limitation of marketing and general intrusion by food companies – there is still no reference as to ‘HOW’ this is to be achieved
