Young children are not doing enough exercise, according to a research study on 11-year old children. Fewer than 3% of children are getting enough exercise. Children should do 1 hour per day of moderate to vigorous exercise. This research study was published in the Archives of Diseases in Childhood.    Calculated children’s percentage body fat – a reliable indicator of overweight and obesity – at the age of three-and-a-half and seven years. Children who had acquired a high percentage body fat by the age of three-and-a-half were significantly more likely to be obese at the age of seven than those with low percentage body fat. Childhood Obesity levels are on rise due to decrease in exercise activity of children. 20% of children will be obese by 2010.    Girls who have a fat mother are more likely to become obese than their friends with slimmer parents. Children will have 4% more body fat if their mothers are obese.     Children who spent more than 3 hours a day watching television had 5% more body fat than those watched less than 1 hour.     Childhood obesity levels are in opposite direction to exercise activity. Every additional 1 hour of inactivity will contribute to 1% of body fat.       Parent’s role:     Parents play crucial role in the lives of children in passing genes or in creating suitable environment.     Parents are the first role models for every child. They closely imitate them and follow their lifestyle. They should have good eating habits and lifestyle.         … [Read more...]