Lack of exercise may not explain rising rates of teen obesity, according to a new study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University. For the study, researchers reviewed government survey data collected between 1991 and 2007. They found that in recent years U.S. teens have spent more time in gym class and less time in front of the television.

In addition, the researchers were unable to identify a significant decrease in teen exercise levels, despite consistent increases in teen obesity during the same time period. For example, in 1993 approximately 66 percent of teens got enough short bursts of vigorous exercise such as 20 minutes of running, biking or other heart-pumping activity at least three days per week. In 2005, 64 percent of teens got the same amount of exercise. However, experts currently estimate that one-third of American children and teenagers are now obese.

Although exercise levels alone do not seem to explain the increases in teen obesity, the researchers stressed that physical activity remains an important component of healthy living for teenagers. Only 35 percent of teenagers surveyed in 2007 met the current recommendations for physical activity -- performing any activity that increases the heart rate at least one hour per day, five or more days out of the week.

Dr. Youfa Wang of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore commented in a news release from the university: "Our study suggests that more vigorous efforts are needed to help young Americans engage in adequate regular physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviors, which will help promote good health."

(Source: abcnew.go.com)

Labels: obesity, teen, exercise

Posted By: Aspen Education Group