Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Leading article: Fitness control

Wednesday 25 October 2006 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

With more than 13 per cent of under-11s in England now judged to be obese, up from 9.6 per cent in 1995, it is clear that such youngsters' lifestyles have to change. So, the drive by the Fitness Industry Association to link leisure centres with schools has to be welcomed. The scheme aims to transform the waistlines of youngsters who have been uninspired by PE lessons but who may be fired with enthusiasm for exercise classes or the gym. However, this cannot be the sole solution to a much wider problem. Children only spend a fraction of their waking lives at school. Parents also need to take responsibility for the lifestyle lessons their children are learning at home.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in