Children are fit and active – fact or fiction?

This paper focuses on the importance of appropriate physical activity during childhood and adolescence. It notes that the effect of regular physical activity in improving blood lipid profile, reducing high blood pressure, facilitating blood glucose control, countering obesity, retarding osteoporosis and promoting psychological well‐being is evidence‐based and has been extensively documented. It also asserts that the successful promotion of physical activity requires a contribution from environmental, behavioural, social, cultural, legislative and financial factors, and notes that health care professionals have a high credibility among children and adolescents, and that they are well placed to help meet this challenge.