Childhood fitness plummeting in the UK

Children in the UK are significantly less fit than they were a decade ago, a new study has revealed.

Published in the British Medical Journal, the findings from the Essex University study indicated that Britain's youngsters are putting themselves at risk of health complications because of their sedentary lifestyles.

Tests carried out on 600 ten-year-olds revealed that fitness levels have plummeted in children, even those who are not obese.

In the UK, the drop was estimated to be eight per cent a year, double the four per cent at which global fitness levels are falling in children.

"If they are the same weight but can't run as fast or as far it's because they are less fit, and the reason is they are less active," Dr Gavin Sandercock, from the University of Essex, told the Daily Mail.

"Children are not doing as much physical activities as before," he added, explaining they spend more time watching TV and browsing the internet than they do outside.

There are already significant fears over the obesity epidemic that is threatening Britain's children with diabetes, cancer, heart disease and shorter lifespans.

Earlier this month, experts from University College London warned one in ten Engish children will be obese within five years.

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