Where to from here?

With the cause of obesity being predominantly linked to an excess consumption of poorly nutritious foods accompanied by an inactive lifestyle, the Ministry of Education (2004) has recognised the importance of education in the fight against the obesity epidemic.  

 “Beginning nutrition education in early childhood is an important part of helping to ensure that children will achieve healthful lifestyles”    Robert Earl

 

Obesity in adulthood is often a result of childhood obesity (Ministry of Health, 2004). This is because it is through childhood experiences and environments that individuals establish habits and beliefs which in turn have a profound effect on their adult lifestyle choices (Berk, 2010; Leaity, 2008). 

Through the Healthy Eating – Healthy Action Strategic Plan, young children are being specifically targeted as a priority group for the education on the importance of healthy food and activity choices (Ministry of Health 2004).  This targeting is in the hope that education as children will lead to a healthier lifestyle choices throughout their lifespan and will result in a substantial decrease in obesity.  
 

Other initiatives designed to enhance healthy choices and lifestyles for the New Zealand are the 5 + a day campaign, push play, and the Mission On initiative which although was implemented in 2006 is still being carried on today.  

Early childhood education is also a profession who are going to great lengths to promote the healthy choices and lifestyles throughout their programs.  It is common practice within early childhood centers to create a policy surrounding healthy eating and active movement (Ministry of Education 2013).  The Ministry of education (1996) acknowledges the importance of promoting children's health through the well being strand. The promotion of the heart foundations healthy heart award is also bringing placing a heavy emphasis on healthy food choices and physical activity within early childhood centers not only for the children but also whanau and wider community.