Randerson and Burnham give full backing to launch of BHF's Yoobot (Eleanor Burnham )

Cymraeg
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Eleanor Burnham <info@eburnham.org.uk>

Randerson and Burnham give full backing to launch of BHF's Yoobot

November 28, 2008 10:00 AM

Jenny Randerson, Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Health and Eleanor Burnham, spokesperson for Children and Young People have both given their full backing to the British Heart Foundation's launch of the Yoobot website which aims to tackle the growing problem of childhood obesity.

The Yoobot is an online game (yoobot.co.uk) which allows children to play with their future, helping them understand the long term effects of a poor diet. Users create their own Yoobot - a mini version of themselves that they can personalise with an uploaded photograph. The choices they make for their Yoobot from the food it eats, to the exercise it does, have a direct impact upon the lifespan and wellbeing of their mini-me.

The British Heart Foundation survey published today reveals that more than three quarters of children (76%) in Wales were unaware that a shortened life was the worst consequence of eating badly.

Jenny Randerson said: "This is an excellent initiative from the British Heart Foundation has come up with. Children's nutrition is something that needs urgently addressing if we are to deal with the twin dangers of obesity and poor health

"The last decade has seen a startling increase in childhood obesity with over a third of children classed as overweight or obese. Poor diet choices children make now may lead to higher risks of heart attack, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer in adulthood, but often they don't realise this.

"I am currently in the process of introducing a Welsh law that will provide the best possible nutritional standards for our school children. I hope that this, coupled with the Yoobot website, will be vital tools in the fight against childhood obesity."

Eleanor Burnham said: "I congratulate the British Heart Foundation's initiative that will make children realise that the poor diet decision they make now will have an effect on them in the future.

"The idea of creating an interactive website with a personalised mini-me that reacts to the junk food that you feed it is an good way of engaging young people through a medium they enjoy. Anything that will make young people understand the role of a good healthy diet and a regular exercise is very welcome."

Website launched on Wednesday 26th November. www.yoobot.co.uk