Exercise Curbs Weight-Gain

in Teen Girls

With funding from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, researchers conducted a 10-year study of the eating and exercising habits of more than 2,200 adolescent girls in the U.S. Each year, researchers also measured the girls' body-mass index, or BMI, a gauge of their body weight in relation to height.

The study found that between the ages of 9 and 19, the girls' levels of physical activity dropped off significantly. At the same time, their rates of overweight and obesity doubled, despite the fact that the eating habits reported by the girls did not explain the weight gain. Authors of the study offer easy advice: To stave off adolescent weight gain, teen girls should boost their exercise routines with 2.5 hours a week of brisk walking.

Kids and Exercise

Kids who are 6 to 12 years old need physical activity to build strength, coordination, and confidence. It’s important to give your school age child as many opportunities as possible to be active. Its recommended that kids 6 to 12 years old get 60 minutes or more of physical activity every day, and also avoid periods of inactivity of 2 hours or more. 

Why Your Kid Should Exercise

Kids definitely benefit from regular exercise. A child who is active will:

• Have stronger muscles and bones.

• Have a leaner body because exercise helps control body fat.

Fun Fitness @ Home

You don’t have to sign your kids up for every sport just so they’ll get enough physical fitness. Here are some ways you can keep your kids moving at home:

• Daily dose of fitness. Incorporate physical activity into the kid’s daily routine. From household chores to an after dinner walk, keep your family active every day. Establish a regular schedule for physical activity.

• Keep it fun. Allow enough time for free play. Kids can burn more calories when left to their own devices. Playing tag, skipping rope, and riding bikes around the neighborhood are some favorite childhood pastimes. Keep it fun so your child will come back for more.