Local cereal processor White’s has teamed up with rugby star Rory Best to remind families of the importance of eating a healthy breakfast and being active to combat growing obesity levels.
The move comes as National Obesity Week kicks off across the UK (11th – 18th March 2010) and health concerns increase over rising obesity levels in Northern Ireland.
One in four girls and one in six boys in Primary One in Northern Ireland are overweight or obese and nearly a quarter of Primary school children are classed as overweight or obese, according to recent studies. Research undertaken by University College London has also found that children living in Northern Ireland are more likely to be overweight than their Scottish and English counterparts.
Figures for obesity levels in adults are similarly disheartening. The Northern Ireland Audit Report in January 2009 cited that a quarter of all men and 23% of women in Northern Ireland were obese representing an increase of 26% in adult obesity since 1997 and a rise of 47% for males and 15% for females.
International player Rory Best says:
“It is vital that a positive outlook to food and exercise is adopted by children and parents from an early age. Leading a healthier lifestyle has also been linked to happiness levels and to success, so learning these crucial life lessons early on can have a far reaching impact.
Encouraging kids to get active in sport is a great way to get kids off the couch, into the fresh air and towards a healthier way of life. There are hundreds of sports and activities to choose from. It’s all about finding one that kids enjoy. You never know they might not just find a hobby but a future career as well.”
According to Mark Gowdy, Sales and Marketing Manager of White’s, makers of Speedicook Porridge Oats and Only Oats, eating breakfast is another thing that could have an impact on reversing the trend towards obesity.
“Childhood and adolescence are widely recognised as the time when eating patterns are established and the foundations of diet related conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, raised blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol and heart disease are laid down.
However research into eating patterns has proved that children who eat breakfast cereals more than five times a week, at the start of the day, weigh less, have smaller waists and lower blood sugar levels than those who rarely eat breakfast.
Porridge is the UK’s most popular breakfast cereal and the perfect breakfast choice for families who simply want to be able to control how much salt and sugar their children eat at breakfast.
High in energy yet low in fat, porridge oats are well known for boosting energy levels. Oats are a complex carbohydrate with a low GI index which means energy is released slowly into the bloodstream. They can prevent hunger pangs and reduce cravings for high fat and high sugar snacks during the morning which all helps with weight control.”
