DK / EN
DK / EN
There are approximately 26,000 children with obesity in Denmark. The great majority come from socially marginalised families. Obesity has serious negative consequences physically, psychologically and socially, and affects the children’s mental well-being. The total public capacity for treatment in Denmark is far from sufficient to help them all.
FitforKids is a voluntary organisation that works with marginalised children aged 7-15 and their families. The philosophy is that a healthy lifestyle is the key to a good life. Many of the children that FitforKids aims to work with do not always feel they belong in the local sports club. For them, FitforKids provides a unique opportunity to socialise, leisure activities and a healthier life with greater well-being.
At present, FitforKids runs 40 FitforKids groups in 29 municipalities, with more than 150 volunteers and an annual capacity to help 1000 familie.
“The Vissing Foundation is helping us to set up five new FitforKids groups in North and Mid-Jutland. We are very grateful, because we offer a unique opportunity for marginalised children and their families to improve their well-being and get into better form with improved physical health, better eating habits and better family relations,” says Ditte Gybel, head of the secretariat at FitforKids.
The activities in the five new groups fall under five headings:
“The Vissing Foundation has ensured that nearly 175 children aged 7-15 from some of the most marginalised families in the municipality will not have to struggle alone with their obesity in 2026. Instead, they can come to FitforKids and be part of a supportive community, make new friends, exercise and get help with losing weight and finding a healthier lifestyle,” says Ditte Gybel.