A survey shows most parents list health and fitness as the top of priority for their children, rating physical education on par with other school subjects.

   The survey was conducted for the National Association for Sport and Physical Education in response to federal statistics that show in the last 20 years, the proportion of overweight children between ages 6 and 19 has tripled, to nearly one of every three youngsters.

   Putting the survey results into action in schools and communities is critical to improved academic performance, social reform and individual health, the study authors said.

   Among the study highlights: Of three choices, most parents with children under 18 (44 percent) pick enjoying optimal health as most important, followed by having friends/getting along with peers (20 percent) and achieving academic success (16 percent). Only 28 percent worry their children are or might become overweight or obese.

   Nearly all parents (91 percent) think they have a great deal of responsibility for the weight and physical fitness of children under 6, a proportion that drops with the child's age, with 80 percent of parents saying they have a great deal of responsibility for their 6-11 year olds and only 43 percent thinking they do for children 12 to 17.

   More than half the parents identified a balanced diet and regular activity as key elements of a healthy lifestyle. More than 80 percent provide outdoor/indoor physical activity at home, participate with their children and plan family events that include physical activity.
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