Prefecture-Wide “Walk Month in SAGA” Begins

~ First Initiative of the “Saga Jibun Balance Project” (Project for Appropriate Weight Management Among Children and Students in Saga Prefecture) ~

【summary】

・Background and Purpose

Obesity is linked to a wide range of health issues, including hypertension, diabetes, and steatotic liver disease, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and orthopedic and gynecological conditions. Links have also been suggested to dementia and mental health. This is a critical health issue that affects the length of time a person can live independently without health-related limitations (healthy life expectancy).

In Saga Prefecture, the number of people with metabolic syndrome is increasing. Furthermore, since deaths from liver cancer are higher than in other prefectures, action against obesity prevention that contribute to preventing Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) has become necessary. In addition to measures for adults, prevention and early intervention starting in childhood are essential.

On the other hand, obesity and overweight are influenced by genetics, physical constitution, and social determinants of health (SDOH), such as childhood and social environment. It is important to dispel the misconception that “obesity is determined by ability or motivation” and to foster a deeper understanding throughout society. We must also spread the awareness that mocking someone’s body shape is unacceptable behavior.

Excessive thinness and undernutrition among young women (Female Underweight/Undernutrition Syndrome: FUS) is also an important issue that affects their own future health and the health of children she may have in the future.

The Saga Jibun Balance Project aims to help children think about a healthy lifestyle suited to their own bodies, to notice the things they can choose for themselves in daily life, such as diet, physical activity, and sleep, and to put them into practice. As the first initiative of the project, we are holding ” Walk Month in SAGA,” which encourages people to be mindful of walking in everyday life.

・Eligible Participants

Children and students enrolled in elementary schools, junior high schools, compulsory education schools, high schools, and special needs schools in Saga Prefecture.

(Even if walking is difficult due to an injury or physical condition, make a conscious effort to increase physical activity as much as possible.)

・Period

Sunday, November 1 to Monday, November 30, 2026 (Reiwa 8)

・Activities

Each school level (elementary, junior high, and high school) has its own activities. Students can take part in class-versus-class or school-versus-school step count competitions, join a volunteer clean-up event while walking. Please ask your school for details.

“Walk to the Moon: Aim for a Lunar Landing”

Eligible: High schools, special needs schools (high school division), and adults

Overview: Held as an event within SAGATOCO, Saga Prefecture Official Walking App. Participants’ step counts are added together with the goal of reaching a lunar landing. The distance from Saga Prefecture to the Moon is 500 million steps. Let’s join forces and land on the Moon together!

Events in the SAGATOCO app include a wheelchair mode.

How to participate: See the flyer

Adults are welcome to join this event.

・Announcement of Results and Activity Reports

Results will be announced on the Saga Prefectural Board of Education website, SAGATOCO website, and the official social media accounts of the “Saga Jibun Balance Project”, among other channels.

・Contact Information

Liver Center, Saga University Hospital

https://sagankan.med.saga-u.ac.jp/english

Instagram: saga_jibunbalance