| Results of the latest National Dietary and Nutritional Survey (NDNS) for the 4-18 year old age group have highlighted the growing trend towards underactivity and obesity amongst children. This trend is matched by a continuing decrease in energy intake in this group amounting to some 600 Kcal. per day over the last 50 years. This figure encompasses the halving of the time spent on physical education in schools over the last 5 years, a drop in other forms of exercise including walking to school and cycle usage, and an increase in sedentary activities in the home. How do these lifestyle and nutritional changes affect the health of the young and what may be the long-term consequences into adulthood ? |