Editorial: Right diet a job for parents

It's up to parents to make sure children eat well.

It alarmed me to read one in four Bay of Plenty kids between the ages of 2 and 14 are overweight or obese.

I know some children go through a pudgy phase before they hit puberty and have their growth spurt, but we should be doing all we can to encourage them to maintain a healthy weight.

What children eat and how much exercise they get is largely dependant on parents. They rely on parents to provide their meals and it is parents who can limit their use of technology and get them out and about.

Previous generations did not face the same challenges our kids do today. There was less technology to keep kids inside and fewer processed and fast foods.

I don't deny that keeping an eye on your sugar intake is a challenge now with all the additives and preservatives in our food but it's one parents need to take seriously.

We need to be focused on feeding kids a balanced diet. That doesn't mean banning sugar or takeaways all together but they should be treats.

Exercise is another biggie, not just for kids but for everyone.

PE in schools goes some way to helping but it's not enough.

All children should be encouraged to play a sport. Not only does it provide the exercise they need, but teaches them valuable life skills.

Parents also need to limit the time their children spend watching TV or using computers or gaming consoles.

Instead of being cooped up inside after school and on weekends, children should be playing outside, riding their bikes or building forts in the lounge. Maintaining a healthy weight is not just a problem for kids.

Busy lives mean the temptation for quick and easy food, be it takeaways or store-bought sauces, is hard to ignore.

Settling into an office-based job has made me more conscious of what I eat and the need to get out and do some exercise when I can - even if I don't always feel like it. Society is not going to change in a hurry. Sugary, processed foods are likely to become more and more prevalent.

It is an issue we need to be aware of and take responsibility for ourselves - and for our children.