Amsterdam Find Success in Reducing Child Obesity

In almost every western society we have seen a rise in obesity in recent times, most worryingly amongst dependent children. However, Amsterdam took this issue on and it appears their solution to the problem is an effective one, showing that the city’s healthy-weight programme has resulted in an overall reduction in overweight and obese children of 12%.

As for what they are doing to produce these results, it starts with children in Amsterdam being regularly weighed and tested for balance and agility, those who come up as unhealthy are refereed to a child health nurse who offers them dietary advice as well as a free gym membership and the opportunity to have a volunteer visit the home on a regular basis. Specifically, the volunteer is there for support, they can not only provide tips and tricks to set up a healthier home but can also help with shops and put the problem in a form that the child can understand.

As for schools, staff have taken on the job to always promote a healthy lifestyle, although one of the most positive changes has been seen specifically in schools for younger children. This change being Jump-in primary schools, a system that only allows fruit, water and healthy food on the premises, as well as this the school consistently encourage exercise throughout the children’s day. However, this change did experience some slight backlash with parents stating that the school was being to intrusive, although many schools have stated that after the parents see the positive results their problems with the programme often go away.

Specifically, the deputy programme manager, Karen den Hertog, said that: “There has been some protest from some parents who think we should not be telling them how to raise their children. Now everyone accepts it. There is no problem any more.”