The British Dietetic Association (BDA) has launched its June campaign to challenge teenagers and families to get in shape through adopting healthier eating habits and becoming more physically active. Called  Weight Wise: The Next Generation, the campaign aims to to help teenagers feel more able to make small but positive changes to their lifestyles without giving up the foods they love. 

As part of the campaign the BDA will be treating teenagers and their families to lifestyle makeovers. Each family will be working with their own personal dietitian to help them identify what small changes they can make. The aim is to help families by providing practical advice that can encourage them become healthier and fitter. Sports Scientist, Sam Howells will also be taking the families through their paces at Bisham Abbey, home to Sport England and where many of our elite athletes train. Sam will help the families to set their own activity goals based on their current levels of fitness and lifestyles.

Meet the Daveys

Dietitian Chris Cheyette from Chelmsford has been working closely with mum Tracey, dad Alan and their two teenage girls Nicola and Abigail.  Alan, aged 42 and a police officer, had a scare earlier in the year when he was told he was diabetic. Following Chris's advice he has started taking packed lunches to work and also cycles everyday.  As a result his diabetes is better controlled and his blood sugars have dropped.

Tracey, an administrator and keyboard teacher, now eats three balanced meals everyday.  But until recently she regularly missed breakfast and lunch most days of the week.  Not only is she eating better, she is now exercising better, using her new Raleigh bike everyday.

Nicola (16) has reduced the number of snacks she has everyday as well as reducing her portion sizes along with the rest of the family.  She is really looking forward to receiving her free gym pass (courtesy of the local sports centre) and is very keen to start swimming regularly.  Despite all this extra activity she is still finding time to study for her GCSEs.  Good luck Nicola!

Abigail (14) has also started cycling on her new bike with Mum and has plans to do more exercise at the local sports centre.  Alongside the rest of the family Abnigail is trying to cut down on the number of times she eats chocolate and biscuits and is eating more fruit and other healthier snacks.

The whole family have welcomed this healthier approach to eating and exercising.  Without exception each member of the family has not only lost weight but they have also reduced their levels of body fat - a sure sign that they are building healthier muscle and achieving an overall healthier body size and shape.

In a bid to limit the time they spend in front of the TV and get more active, the Daveys are currently logging their time in front of a TV screen or computer.  Research indicates that regular TV viewing of more than 2 hours every day is associated with being overweight.

As part of the campaign the BDA have also launched a new website www.teenweightwise.com to provide the extra support, advice and information teenagers might need.    

Further details of this and previous campaigns, including how to order resources, can be found on the British Dietetic Association’s website www.bda.uk.com/FoodFirst

 

Main Campaign Messages - Weight Wise: The Next Generation 2006

• Make time for regular meals, starting with breakfast.
• Move more!
• Downsize high calorie foods and drinks.
• Supersize your fruit and vegetables.
• Make smart snack and take-away choices.
• Aim for a healthier size for you.