During the holidays children gain weight faster and grow slower

Numerous studies show that children in Western countries are more likely to become overweight or obese during the summer. The reasons for this phenomenon include changes in diet and physical activity during the summer months, including summer holidays, when children fall out of school rhythm. New research by scientists published in the Frontiers in Physiology journal also indicates that children grow faster during the school year than during the summer break. Slowing down the growth process while gaining weight increases the BMI index in the summer.  On the other hand, an increased (above the accepted norms) BMI value – the ratio of the child’s weight to height – indicates the occurrence of overweight or obesity problem. Scientists speculate that school year requirements may alter children’s exposure to the diurnal light-dark cycle, which could shape the seasonal pattern of growth.

Seeing how important appropriate habits continued throughout the year are for children’s health, it is worth taking care of the appropriate portion of physical activity and a balanced diet also during the holidays. Development activities will certainly also be useful for children at this time.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that children between 5 and 17 years of age undertake at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. – In addition, the WHO recommends that children in this age group should undertake activities strengthening the muscles and the skeletal system such as gymnastics, dancing, or martial arts at least three times a week. Regular physical activity helps to maintain a healthy body weight, reduces the risk of developing many diseases of affluence, such as type II diabetes, strengthens cognitive abilities, but also supports the physical development of children, including growth stimulation – explains Marcin Balicki, sports trainer and programme methodologist at Atmosfera MultiSport, the Warsaw activity centre for children. – Appropriate exercises stimulate building and maintaining bone mass by stimulating the work of osteoblasts – bone-forming cells occurring in the places of growth and remodelling of bone tissue. Higher intensity exercises have the greatest impact on stimulating the building of bone mass – he adds.The results of several studies show that the highest mineral density of bones occurs in people practising such sports as aerobics, gymnastics, dancing, but also football, basketball, volleyball, speed skating, squash, and hockey.[1]

– It would be great if we could spend the summer months with the children and undertake various activities together. Children are more likely to play sports and eat healthier when they see their parents making similar choices daily. Children can be even more involved in this area when we implement healthy habits together with them – says Marcin Balicki.There are many opportunities for activity during the summer holidays. Even before their official start (Sunday, 12 June 2022), the free Atmosfera MultiSport Games will be held in Warsaw. This sports event is dedicated to children in two age groups (4-6 years old and 7-12 years old) and their parents. It will take place in the multimedia physical activity centre located in 5 Racjonalizacji Street in Warsaw’s Mokotów district. Children can expect a space obstacle course, galactic pods, and astronaut run as well as special attractions in the animation zone, including an interactive LU game, soap bubbles or the possibility of making water tattoos. A kid’s zone will be prepared for the youngest participants, where a mini obstacle course will be offered along with other attractions. Parents will be able to take advantage of free body composition measurements or try their hand at a sports VR flight simulator. Everyone interested can register for the event at https://atmosferamultisport.pl/zajecia/igrzyska-atmosfery-multisport  

Common, everyday activities during the holidays can turn out to be a real challenge, especially for professionally active parents. Holiday trips usually last about two weeks but children must have two more summer months filled with activities. How to do it? Apart from classic camps, city day camps can be a good solution. In Warsaw they are organised in the Atmosfera MultiSport facility, where children aged 5 to 12 can take part in general development sports events or activities focused on selected disciplines, such as dance, judo, karate, or acrobatics as part of weekly camps between 09:00 and 17:00. Additionally, day camps also include trips and thematic workshops, including those devoted to healthy eating. Children are also provided with balanced meals.

More information on the initiative can be found at https://atmosferamultisport.pl/polkolonie