‘Anti-fat’ badge to help Scouts combat obesity

THE Scouts have introduced an ‘anti-fat’ badge for their youngest members amid concern about childhood obesity.

There had been fears that some might struggle to take part in activities such as mountain climbing and hiking because they are unfit and overweight.

To gain the new health and fitness badge, Beaver Scouts aged six to eight must complete three agility activities such as skipping, jumping over props or completing an obstacle course.

They must also show they can measure their heart rate and promote healthy eating and exercise to others. James Stuttard, who developed the award, described it as ‘an anti-fat-and-lazy badge’.

A spokesman for the Scouts said yesterday: ‘We don’t monitor the weight, the size, etc of our kids, but we believe that helping young people develop a positive attitude to an active lifestyle can only be for their wellbeing and good.’

About 4,000 children have completed the exercises to earn the new badge since it was launched.

Figures show that one in ten four and five-year-olds and one in five ten and 11-year-olds are obese.