Press Release

Latest research suggests that initiatives to combat childhood obesity should be implemented before children start school

17^th December 2008: Recent research from the Peninsula Medical School in Plymouth, suggests that children who are obese by the time they reach the age of five are likely to struggle to lose the excess weight, at least until they reach puberty.

Lead researcher, Professor Terry Wilkin said: “When they reach the age of five the die seems to be cast”. “What is causing it is very difficult to know. “

Professor Wilkin is currently 4 years into a 12 year research study, titled “Early Bird” for insulin resistance in 300 Plymouth schoolchildren. He said that there must be new factors at play which are making today’s very young children obese which did not have an impact when children were brought up 25 years ago, and that these factors were most likely to be related to a child’s home life, rather than school environment.

Professor Wilkin’s research found that government strategies attempting to reduce childhood obesity and the associated health problems would potentially have more impact if they focused on pre-school children. The study has found that 90% of the excess weight in girls and 70% in boys is gained whilst the child is pre-school age, and that activity levels of children are “programmed” – either genetically or as a result of very early experience.

Previous BMA research stated that one in five primary school pupils were categorized as overweight in 2006-07 while 8.5% and 4.3% were classed as obese and severely obese, and that the highest levels of overweight, obese and severely obese children were found in the most deprived areas.

Research carried out in a recent study entitled “Combatting Childhood Obesity with Physical Play Opportunities” which was undertaken by the Children’s Institute for Learning and Development (CHILD) found that children who are obese are more likely to become obese adults. As children get older, this likelihood increases, and by the time obese children reach the age of 6 years, their probability of becoming obese adults is more than 50%. Obese adolescents have a 70-80% chance of remaining obese when they become adults. Having one obese parent also increases the possibility that obese children will become obese adults[1], and obese children are at increased risk from a number of serious health problems more usually seen in adulthood, including hardened and blocked arteries (coronary artery diseases), high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.

In light of recent research, the need to get Britain’s pre-school population taking part in regular physical activity has never been greater. Little Kickers classes have been designed so that in addition to receiving a sound basic instruction in football from qualified coaches, children are also provided with a fun, positive introduction to sport – it has been proven that children who enjoy organised physical activity from a young age are substantially more likely to remain active throughout their adolescence and into adulthood.

Initially, Little Kickers was set up to provide the founders' young children with access to football classes, which were not available for the pre-school age group at the time. From the modest beginnings of running just 35 classes a week in London in 2002, the team built on their initial success and decided to franchise their business. Since then, the company has grown dramatically and now with over 550 classes, running throughout a network of 75 franchises, plus special events, themed days and children’s parties, there are over 10,000 children every week benefiting from this programme, with more joining every day.

Christine Stanschus, co-founder of Little Kickers said “We are keen to encourage more parents to let their children have a go at sport from an early age. Many people feel that children are too young to do so until they reach the age of 5, however by allowing their child to participate in Little Kickers, parents can gain first hand experience of the kinds of games which are appropriate and fun for the pre-school age group and take some of the ideas home with them”.

As well as teaching fundamental football techniques & elementary skills, Little Kickers aim to develop invaluable social skills such as listening, sharing, taking turns and teamwork plus they also place emphasis on simple learning concepts like colours and numbers and on fine-tuning the child’s basic balance, agility and co-ordination.

Little Kickers are primarily a commercially-run organization and also run private classes in selected nurseries, however many of their franchisees also now run non-profit classes for Surestart. Where they run classes on a commercial basis, they try to keep the prices as low as possible to ensure that they are financially within the reach of as many families as possible. This is what some of their customers had to say:

· “Luke had a great time at his first session and I was very impressed with the coaching and format of the session. The coaches made him feel very welcome and involved straight away. He can't wait for the next one to start. Please thank the coaches for a great time”. P Quinn

· "They have thoroughly enjoyed coming and as a parent I have been more than pleased with what they have got up to. The whole concept is brilliant and I will certainly recommend the group to other parents.” Angela, Hemel Hempstead.

· "My son has played with Little Kickers for a couple of years and has enjoyed every minute. I thoroughly recommend it." Mrs. KP, Mill Hill.

- End -

Notes for Editors:

· Little Kickers was established in 2002 by Christine Stanschus and Sarah Field and now have 75 franchises operating throughout the UK with more in the pipeline for 2009.

· Little Kickers currently have over 8,000 children actively enrolled in their classes and taking part every week with many more participating in themed days, children’s parties and special events on a regular basis.

· LK are members of the BFA, FIA, Pre-School Learning Alliance

· Little Kickers actively support the UK charities, Cry in the Dark and CLIC Sargent (Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood)

· Further information and images available on request from Gretta McNamara, Little Kickers Holdings Limited,
Phone: (44) 1235 859264, Email: gmcnamara@littlekickers.co.uk

Sample Images:

 

More News . . .