Children who spend more time outdoors 27-41% less likely to overweight

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Monday, November 17, 2008 7:44 am Email this article
The prevalence of overweight was 27-41 percent less in 10- to 12-year-old children who spent more time outside according to a new study. Extra Hour Outside

Every hour outside increases activity 20-27 minutes

Every extra hour children spent outside increased moderate and vigorous physical activity by 27 minutes per week for older girls and by an extra 20 minutes per week for older boys.

 

Subjects

Subjects: 180 children 5-6 years-old, 360 children 10-12 years-old

The study involved 180 children 5- to 6-years-old and 360 children 10- 12-years-old selected from 19 randomly selected state elementary schools across Melbourne, Australia.

 

Conclusion

Conclusion: Increase time outdoors to fight childhood obesity

“Encouraging 10–12-year-old children to spend more time outdoors may be an effective strategy for increasing physical activity and preventing increases in overweight and obesity,” the researchers concluded.

REFERENCE

Cleland V, Crawford D, Baur L, Hume C, Timperio A, Salmon J. A prospective examination of children’s time spent outdoors, objectively measured physical activity and overweight. Int J Obes (Lond). 2008 Nov, 32(11):1685-93.

AUTHOR’S CONTACT INFORMATION

Dr. Verity Cleland
Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research
Deakin University
221 Burwood Hwy
Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia
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Articles on the same subject can be found here:

• Childhood Obesity

• Exercise