Research by Maastricht University and PON shows that being overweight costs a lot of money: annually 11,500 euros per adult who is overweight or obese and a total of more than 79 billion euros. The study emphasizes the importance of prevention.
Prevention
This prevention can be used in schools, obesity coach and experience expert Floor van der Steen told EditieNL. “We learn math and reading at school, but not to work on our self-image, our happiness, a healthy diet and a good night’s sleep. Children should sit still in a circle, but really they should be running and flying every hour. Or a free piece of fruit in between.”
In addition, the risk of serious corona complaints is greater if you are overweight. This is reported by De Telegraaf. Maria Jansen, professor of population-oriented health policy at Maastricht University, believes that prevention is the key to getting ahead of infectious diseases such as corona. That is what she tells De Volkskrant. dr. Gijs Goossens, affiliated with Maastricht University Medical Center+, agrees: “It is about time for clear action from the government to combat obesity: stimulating a healthy lifestyle and making this possible for everyone in the Netherlands. the society.”
Parents
Should the government intervene, or is it the responsibility of parents to educate their children about health? Parents can set an example in this. We cannot put all the burdens of society on education or reception, some will say.
Comments
There is a discussion on Twitter about the consequences of being overweight. Twitterer Hester believes that it is more important for young people to exercise than to take a vaccination.
Welmoed and Katinka talk about policy and the role that prevention can play in it.
Twitterer Michelle believes that not all social tasks should lie with schools.
Join the conversation
Should schools and daycare centers play a preventive role in the prevention of overweight and obesity? Or does the responsibility lie with the parents? Join the conversation through our Facebook page!