A recent BBC News report revealed a worrying statistic about childhood obesity—nearly 1 in 5 children aged 10 to 11 in the UK is now classified as obese. Is this any surprise after the recent Guardian article about the decline in PE teachers and PE delivery? . What’s even worse is that by 2050, more than 50% of adults worldwide are predicted to be overweight. That should be a huge concern for parents, especially those who want their kids to grow up strong, healthy, and confident.
At The Athlete Academy, this issue is personal. We work with children and teenagers every day, helping them build the right habits in training, nutrition, and recovery—not just for performance, but for LIFE. Because the truth is, the habits your child develops NOW will shape their future.
And the trends we’re seeing? They’re alarming.
WHY ARE KIDS STRUGGLING WITH THEIR HEALTH?
The BBC article highlights three major factors contributing to childhood obesity:
1. KIDS AREN’T MOVING ENOUGH
Between screens, school, and social media, kids are sitting more than ever, which is an obvious contributor to childhood obesity. Fewer children are playing outside, walking to school, or engaging in regular structured training. Even youth athletes who train for a sport may not be moving enough outside of practice to stay fit and healthy.
2. DIETS ARE SLIPPING
The easy availability of processed foods means kids are consuming more sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives than ever before, predisposing them to childhood obesity. Even young athletes, who burn more energy, aren’t immune—if they’re eating the wrong foods, they’re not getting the nutrients they need to perform, recover, and grow properly.
3. SLEEP IS SUFFERING
Sleep is one of the most overlooked areas of health. Poor sleep affects energy levels, mood, concentration, and even metabolism. Many kids (including athletes) are staying up too late, staring at screens, or not getting enough quality rest to support their development.
THE ATHLETE ACADEMY APPROACH: BUILDING HABITS THAT LAST A LIFETIME
We know parents want the best for their kids—especially those who are serious about their health and sport. That’s why our approach goes beyond physical training sessions. We focus on building the right habits in three key areas:
1. MOVEMENT: MAKING EXERCISE A LIFESTYLE
It’s not just about how hard your child trains—it’s about how often they move. We help young athletes develop:
✅ A structured, progressive training routine to build strength, speed, and resilience
✅ A love for movement, so they stay active outside of training
✅ A healthy relationship with exercise, avoiding burnout and overtraining
2. NUTRITION: FUELLING PERFORMANCE AND HEALTH
What your child eats directly impacts their performance, recovery, and long-term health. We educate parents and athletes on:
✅ The right balance of protein, carbs, and fats for growing bodies
✅ Simple, practical meal strategies that fit busy schedules
✅ The importance of hydration and how to avoid common mistakes
3. RECOVERY: THE SECRET WEAPON FOR GROWTH
Many young athletes train hard but don’t recover properly, which can lead to injuries, fatigue, and poor performance. Our approach includes:
✅ Prioritising quality sleep—how to build a routine that maximises rest
✅ Stress management techniques—because a tired, overwhelmed athlete won’t perform at their best
✅ Tracking recovery habits—hydration, mobility work, and nutrition all play a role
WHY THIS MATTERS FOR YOUR CHILD
This isn’t just about reducing childhood obesity rates. It’s about setting your child up for a lifetime of strength, confidence, and good health. Whether they go on to play sports at a high level or not, the habits they develop right now will shape their future.
If your child is an athlete, you already understand the value of training. But training alone isn’t enough. Without the right support in nutrition, recovery, and long-term movement, even the most talented young athletes won’t reach their full potential.
WHAT CAN YOU DO AS A PARENT?
1️⃣ Make movement part of everyday life – Encourage outdoor play, family walks, or even active hobbies outside of structured training.
2️⃣ Help your child build good nutrition habits – You don’t need a “perfect” diet, just consistent, balanced meals that support their activity levels.
3️⃣ Prioritise sleep and recovery – A well-rested athlete trains harder, recovers faster, and stays healthier.
At The Athlete Academy, we’re here to support parents like you in making these habits second nature for your child. If you’re ready to take a holistic approach to youth athletic development, let’s make it happen—because your child’s future starts today.
