BMA Scotland calls for more action to get children moving

May 21 2012

Commenting ahead of the debate in the Scottish Parliament, on physical activity and its contribution to tackling obesity , Dr Sue Robertson, a member of the BMA's Scottish Council, said:

“Many children in Scotland are not active enough. To maintain good health and stave off obesity, it is recommended that children engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day, such as brisk walking, running, and sports.  The Scottish Health Survey shows that over one quarter of children in Scotland are not achieving this, so it's essential to get kids moving. The journey to and from school is the perfect place to start.

“The number of children travelling to school by car has doubled over the last 20 years. Getting children into the habit of walking to school has obvious environmental benefits, and it helps with the fight against childhood obesity too."

Dr Robertson also highlighted the inequalities which have a profound influence on the future health of children in Scotland.  Deprivation limits access to safe play areas and low income makes many physical activities unaffordable.

She added:

“Everyone can increase their activity levels and therefore exercise is an effective way of addressing health inequalities.  However, many parents are concerned to let their children go outside because the roads are so busy, and in many communities there are the additional dangers of unsafe environments, where play areas are littered with discarded syringes and broken glass."

To get Scotland moving, the Scottish Government should:  

• Develop an effective strategy to encourage teenagers and young adults to take part in regular exercise  
• Improve access to subsidised sporting facilities for both children and parents.  Easy access for those from lower socio-economic groups is particularly important
• Take assertive action to improve communities and make them clean, safe and healthy for our children