Overweight and obesity are increasing both in Slovenia and in most European countries. It is a problem that affects the length and quality of life and the development of various diseases. Obesity is more common in less educated and poorer residents and is largely the result of different eating habits between different social classes. The growing trend of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents is worrying. Over the past twenty-five years, the proportion of obese boys between the ages of 7 and 18 has increased from 5.5% to 12.7%, and among girls in the same age range from 3.3% to 7.9%.
Figure 1: Share of obese persons aged 15 and over, according to completed level of education, Slovenia, 2007 and 2014.
Sedentary lifestyle
Adults as well as children and adolescents are exposed to many risk factors for the occurrence of various diseases due to insufficient physical activity or an increasingly sedentary lifestyle. The recommended daily physical activity for adults and the elderly is at least 30 minutes a day, while children and adolescents are recommended at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. In Slovenia, 18.2% of young people aged 11, 13 and 15 spend their free time sitting for more than four hours a day during the school week. With age, the proportion of children who mainly sit in their free time increases - according to data, 11-year-olds spend their free time in this way in 8.2%, 13-year-olds in 18%, and 15-year-olds in as much as 28.4% .
Figure 2: Share of young people aged 11, 13 or 15 who spend their free time sitting for more than 4 hours a day during the school week, Slovenia, 2014.
Physically active - healthier, more successful
Physically active children and adolescents are more successful in schoolwork, remember new material more easily and are more satisfied with their health and quality of life. Physical activity of children and adolescents means movement that can be part of play, transport, recreation, sports and takes place within the framework of family, school or community activities.
Regular physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and type II diabetes. It has a positive effect on joints and muscles, helps regulate blood pressure and body weight. In addition, physical activity significantly contributes to better mental health of the individual.
The importance of local communities
As already stated in the National Program on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Health, local communities have a key role in enabling and promoting a healthy lifestyle and physical activity to strengthen health through appropriate planning and construction of infrastructure - playgrounds, parks, cycling and walking paths , gymnasiums and exercise and sports facilities, as well as through the facilitation and financing/co-financing of programs to promote a healthy lifestyle, including programs of physical activity to strengthen health, exercise programs and sports and recreational programs.
Prepared by: Tina Lesnik, NIJZ, 2016
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