Parents 'overestimate kids' fitness levels'

Published on 23-11-2009

Summary:

Many parents are stuck in a "reality gap" when it comes to the amount of exercise their children are doing, it has been revealed.

Research carried out by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) found that many adults overestimate their kids' fitness levels.

Of those polled, 71 per cent said their children are active enough. However, just 11 per cent of kids actually do the recommended amount of daily exercise.

Dr Mike Knapton, associate medical director at the BHF, said mums and dads need to "take the blinkers off".

"Parents have such an important role in helping and encouraging their kids to be more active by building exercise into their every day lives - whether that's taking part in team sports, playing outside with their friends or walking to school," he added.

In related news, a recent survey carried out by Siemens and the Stroke Association revealed that 16 per cent of children have a takeaway meal every day.