I awoke today to a Google alert that had this article on a recent study on physical activity and obesity in children.
In my new book Strong Kids Healthy Kids, I mention that in my research into the subject, physical activity did little if anything to help kids lose weight. This study seems to be another nail in the coffin for the current recommendations to get kids more active to help them lean up.
What research and my own work reveals is that weight lifting and eating right is the answer.
However, the article does mention that the active kids were healthier. Their blood pressure was better, cholesterol levels improved, insulin resistance declined, etc. after they became more active.
I raise a Mr. Spock eyebrow at this. Somehow this doesn't seem right to me. I'll try to get my hands on the actual study and report back with my findings.
But this study and other like it continue to shed light on the very real fact that physical activity is not the solution for getting kids (or anyone else for that matter) leaner.
