Parents in the UK do not realize that a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet can increase their youngsters' risk of serious health problems in later life, according to the results from a survey of over 800 parents whose children were aged up to 11 years published by the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK and Diabetes UK.

The survey found that a staggering 83 per cent of parents had no idea that a lack of exercise in childhood could increase the risk of cancer in later life.

As many as half were unaware of the link between physical inactivity and type 2 diabetes, and 18 per cent did not know that a sedentary lifestyle increases a person's risk of heart disease.

A worrying 12 per cent of respondents had no idea that physical inactivity was linked to any of these health problems.

Many parents were also unaware of the importance of a healthy diet, with 59 per cent ignorant of the link between a poor diet and cancer, 23 per cent not knowing of its link with type 2 diabetes, and 17 per cent not realizing its association with heart disease.

Meanwhile, many parents did not know that being overweight in childhood increases a person's future risk of cancer (66 per cent), type 2 diabetes (13 per cent) and heart disease (eight per cent).

Ed Yong, Cancer Research UK's health information manager, said: "Keeping a healthy bodyweight is one of the most important ways of reducing the risk of cancer, after not smoking.

"We know that early habits can follow children into adulthood so it's important to instill the importance of healthy eating and regular activity at an early age. Doing so will mean dramatic benefits for their health down the line."

Douglas Smallwood, chief executive of Diabetes UK, added that the lack of awareness among parents was "frightening".

He said: "We are supporting the Change4Life campaign, which aims to encourage parents to get their children moving more and eating well.

"However, if the government is to deliver on its public health promises it has a major role to play in committing to legislation on restricting junk food advertising and supporting the traffic light system of food labeling, it will go a long way in helping people make informed choices."

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References:
1. Cancer Research UK.
2. Image by msmail.

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