Charles Darwin University is responding to claims that Australians are now among the fattest people on earth

Sep 29 2004

Australia's Charles Darwin University is responding to claims that Australians are now among the fattest people on earth with a health program targeting childhood obesity.

"Parents in our local community are extremely concerned about the issue of childhood obesity,” Charles Darwin University Sport General Manager, James Nightingale, said.

“The Activation Program, which will be a first for Darwin, will help address that concern with the family having fun together and parents getting involved as positive role models.”

Mr Nightingale highlighted comments by the International Diabetic Institute of Australia which says Australians are now as fat as Americans - who are the fattest in the world. He said that recent research indicated overweight children had a 30 to 50 per cent chance of being overweight as adults, while for overweight adolescents their chances are 60 to 70 per cent.

“Activation program founder, Tracey Hayles, will be at Charles Darwin University Sport during October to train staff in the delivery of the program for the five to 12 year old age group,” Mr Nightingale said.

Ms Hayles, a former physical education teacher, saw the impact modern day lifestyles have on Australian children and decided to do something about it.

“I was concerned about the effects of a sedentary lifestyle including increased childhood obesity and asthma and created Activation to help combat the issue,” Ms Hayles explained.

“Activation programs help kids increase overall fitness as well as develop the physical skills required to play a wide variety of sports. They encourage positive parent role modelling and quality family time by establishing healthier lifestyle habits for the entire family,” she said.

A short five-week introductory Activation program will be offered by Charles Darwin University Sport from 15 November to 17 December. Interested people can register their interest in the Activation Program with Charles Darwin University Sport on 08 8946 6971.