Children & Obesity

Aerobic Exercise Reduces Risk of Diabetes in Kids

Currently, about one-third of elementary school aged children are overweight or obese, which increases their risk for chronic diseases, especially diabetes. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that just 20 minutes of exercise per day could reduce kids' risk of developing risk factors for type 2 diabetes. The study looked at the effect of regular aerobic exercise on insulin resistance (the body's inability to use insulin, the hormone that helps the body use sugar), abdominal obesity, and overall body fat, all known risk factors for diabetes, in 200 overweight or obese American kids. Results showed that both 20 and 40 minute bouts of exercise 5 times per week resulted in reduced insulin resistance and decreases in overall fat and abdominal fat. These findings were consistent across all races in both boys and girls. Ideally, children should exercise at least 60 minutes per day most days of the week. U.S. News and World Report. Health News. "Aerobic Exercise Cuts Kids' Diabetes Risk: Study". http://health.usnews.com/healthnews/news/articles/2012/09/ 18/aerobic-exercise-cuts-kids-diabetes-risk-study; 18 September 2012