Parents want Ottawa to do more to tackle childhood obesity

TORONTO, Ont. - The majority of parents believe they play a major role in whether their children are overweight, but many also want the government to build more recreation centres.

This is an issue that 680News food and nutrition specialist Rose Reisman feels very strongly about.

"I think the government has to get more involved in terms of fighting childhood obesity because we're seeing it grow, and kids today are being diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol [and] pre-diabetic conditions in their teens," Reisman said.

The survey done by Ipsos Reid talked to 1,200 people, and most feel obesity is the leading health issue facing children today -- more so than drugs, smoking and alcohol.

The survey found that 61 per cent of Canadians don't think Ottawa is doing enough, and 70 per cent strongly support government initiatives that would educate children on healthy choices.

But, this father believes it's his job.

"It's not the job of the government to look after kids in that regard. The parents should be making them go outside and play, rather than just play video games all day," he said.