Obesity and/or fitness problems
On average, one in seven children in the Netherlands is overweight and 2 per cent is obese. Obesity is associated with many physical problems such as cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes and psychological complaints. Overweight children can also have problems with motor skills (especially gross motor skills, balance, ball skills), fitness and strength. They may also have low self-confidence or bullying behaviour, which makes children increasingly unable and unwilling to participate in exercise, outdoor play, gym or sports. Healthy diet and an active lifestyle have an influence here; overweight children often do not achieve the Dutch Standard for Healthy Exercise (NNGB).
Once a child or adult is overweight, it is difficult to get rid of it. Preventing overweight is therefore important. It contributes to health in early and adult life. Children who have rapid weight gain between the ages of 2 and 6 have a very high chance of also being overweight in adulthood.
Within our practice, we can guide children who are overweight and/or have problems with fitness, strength and motor skills. This can be done individually or through participation in the Fitkids exercise programme (see also under the heading 'Fitkids'). We work together with a dietician who can provide guidance during the programme. The aim is to move on to a sports activity after this intensive programme.
Fitkids
Fitkids is an exercise group for children aged 6-18 with a motor disability, chronic illness, impairment or long-term condition, who do not exercise enough and cannot join a regular sports club.
The children train for a year, under professional supervision, with the aim of moving on to a regular sports club afterwards. Fitkids always involves two paediatric physiotherapists. The children train twice a week for the first six months and once a week for the second six months, doing various sports and game activities in groups for one hour.
During the Fitkid programme, the child learns that exercise is fun and healthy, because fun comes first! Besides the goals the child would like to achieve, the aim is to improve physical and mental fitness. During Fitkids, the child is encouraged to continue with another sports activity after completing the programme at our practice, for example in a club setting.