The results of the survey on nutrition of more than 8,000 schoolchildren in new Wales South and physical activity in schools were similar to a survey conducted in 2004.
Principal investigator, Dr. Louise Hardy, said that the results are promising, and suggested that existing investments to reduce the risk of excessive weight gain have begun to have an effect.
"This is excellent news that the rapid increase in obesity began to plateau,", said Dr. Hardy.
"But the level of childhood obesity is still too high, with a large number of children who face health problems are serious in the future."
Other key findings of the investigation are:
The majority of children do not eat enough vegetables, and less than half of high school students eat enough fruit. And foods that were once considered candy or "casual" food, are eaten very often;
Up to 18 per cent of students drink less than a cup of soft drinks daily, one-third of households have refreshments available to children;
Up to 36 per cent of secondary school pupils have televisions in their rooms. About 70 per cent of the children and 60 per cent of girls feel too long like a recreation of screens. Almost a quarter of children regularly dine from the TV rather than in a table
Physical activity levels have declined since 2004 with less than two-thirds of children in school meeting the recommended physical activity level. A third of students are not enough suitable, increasing the risk of heart disease;
Nearly 50% of primary school students is taken to school and many students, especially girls, do not run, jump, kick, throw, correctly.
"A long-term approach is required to change the environment in which we live, so it is easier for parents and children are changing their behaviour", said Dr. Hardy.
"Investment related to the weight change behaviours must come from all sectors of the community."
"it is difficult to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of becoming overweight in food and technology driven society of todays children." Help is needed on how parents can think configuring on how much junk food standards and soft drinks can have children or rules for watching television or using computers.
"We must work on getting more children walk or bike to school." We must remember that 1.5 km is a 15-minute short, walk - not on ones car remote.
"Improvements must continue with the provision of a good public transport system, prevent the advertising of unhealthy food to children, the public access to water, a green space in the bottle, excitement for young people".
The research, funded by the health of South new Wales, conducted by the research group on obesity nutrition from the University of Sydney, physical activity. Similar studies were conducted in 1985, 1997 and 2004.
(Source: University of Sydney: investigation on nutrition and physical activity in schools)
