Childhood obesity is a serious health problem, and it is growing fast. According to the CDC, about 1 in 5 children in the US (aged 6–19) has obesity, which raises the risk of health problems in adulthood.
The main causes include:
- an unhealthy diet, high in sugar and processed food
- too little exercise
- too much screen time
- surroundings: no places to play outdoors or no access to healthy food
Free play is one way to counter obesity, because it is one of the most active things children do. Studies show that children burn 20–35% more calories in free play than in organised activities such as sport or PE lessons. Free play often lasts longer and has fewer breaks, so the time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is 50% longer.
Think of your child’s football practice: a warm-up, explaining the drill, queuing for a shot, a break. Out in the street or the park, the same children run until they’re worn out.
That’s why time and space to play outdoors with friends help children stay active for longer. To make this happen, parents can keep some afternoons free during the week, schools can send children outside at break time, and local authorities can look after safe courtyards and playgrounds.