In Conclusion

This blog has taken me on a journey exploring obesity, its causes and its implications for individuals, families and communities. I believe that with the right support and pressure the New Zealand government will be able to make positive steps towards fighting the obesity epidemic.

• Raising the tax on unhealthy foods (similar to that done with tobacco sales)

• Reducing advertising for takeaway foods in prime time television spots

• Creating healthy school environments, where canteens are no longer allowed to sell energy dense, nutrient poor foods (even reducing soft drinks sold in schools has the potential to make a significant difference)

• Increase promotion of physical activity in schools, currently it is only required to participate in physical education once a week until the age of fifteen, Ministry of Education, (2013).

These suggestions are ones that I have found myself supporting. I have been guilty of choosing the easy option when considering meal ideas for my young children, opting for McDonalds or cheerios instead of a well balanced meal.  Although I believe my children are aware takeaway foods are a treat, I am now going to reduce the frequency of which I buy it for them.

I am also endeavoring to adjust my own lifestyle for the benefit of not only myself but my own children, extended family and the children I teach.  Small changes such as only drinking water at work, walking when possible, eating breakfast, and being more involved in physical activity experiences with children, all have the potential to ensure I am being a positive role model throughout my work and home environments.

I leave you with the top five tips compiled through this research to making healthier life style choices

1. Choose water over soft drinks- one can of Coke contains approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar.
2. Push play for 30 minutes each day- this can be anything from taking the stairs at work, to vacuuming, walking to collect children from school, mowing the lawn, or simply going for a walk.
3. Do not skip meals in the hope of losing weight - research has shown that the chances of binge eating and weight gain are heavily increased when meals are skipped.
4. Aim to consume 5 different types of fruit and vegetables every day- these will provide varied vitamins and minerals essential to a healthy body and mind.
5. Think of the children in your whanau - our biggest hope in fighting the obesity epidemic is through our children, their lifestyle choices when they are older have a direct link to those when they are young. . . create a healthy environment for your whanau to learn in.