Community Sports Projects teamed up with the Bristol Royal Infirmary in 2009 to work alongside the NHS Primary Healthcare Trust with their childhood obesity programme.

The number of overweight and obese children in the UK has risen steadily over the past 20 years. In 2008, 16.8% of boys aged 2 to 15, and 15.2% of girls were classed as obese, an increase from 11.1% and 12.2% respectively in 1995.

Overweight children are twice as likely to be obese when they grow up than children who aren't overweight. This means that in adulthood, they will be at an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis and certain cancers. The risk of health problems increases the more overweight you become.

As well as being a risk to the child's health, being overweight as a child may also cause emotional problems. Teasing about his/her appearance can affect a child's confidence and self-esteem, and can lead to isolation and depression.

We work in specific locations throughout Bristol on a weekly basis coaching Obese Children referred to us by the NHS. Our Non Contact Boxing and Exercise programme has been designed to increase fitness, self esteem and confidence. Initial feedback from Children and parents had been great and we hope to continue tackling childhood obesity in the long term.

Article created on Tuesday, 10 August 2010 16:03