Studies done over the last 10 years have shown a virtually continuous drop in the amount of teens who exercise down to less than 25%. Some researchers estimate only 1 out of every four children live an anything but sedentary lifestyle. According to the Word Health Organization, nearly two-thirds of children are insufficiently active. 3
Research has shown childhood obesity to have long-term effects on our kids' health. For example, according to a 2003 study by Louisiana State University, childhood over-weight “increases the risk of being overweight or obese and for having many related chronic diseases.” 1 Thus, childhood inactivity could prove more harmful than a few extra pounds. It could lead to life-threatening consequences.
In particular, the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is increasing, and it is estimated that as many as “…half of new diabetes cases in children are diagnosed as type 2.” 2 We now know that childhood obesity plays a major role in the early development of this disease. It can have disastrous consequences – amputation, blindness, and even death.
One important thing for parents – and other adults in children’s lives - to realize is that we can’t rely on our kids to take exercise up for themselves. The LSU study also cited research Centers for Disease Control showed that “61.5 percent of children ages 9–13 do not participate in any organized physical activity during their nonschool hours.” 1 So what’s a concerned grown-up to do? Get that kid up and moving – and move with her!
