The researchers looked at well over 5,000 children...

A new research project that was undertaken by Bristol University in the United Kingdom has come up with some interesting insights into child obesity. Among the many things that they learnt they clearly noted that the simple act of doing only a quarter of an hour’s exercise every single day for children could cut the risk that they would become obese by 50 percent.

The researchers looked at well over 5,000 children and concentrated their research on children of the age of twelve years old. This research showed that by just doing fifteen minutes of vigorous exercise daily girls could lower the chances of becoming obese by 40 percent and boys could reduce the chances of becoming obese by half. Many people think that exercise is not really the answer to childhood obesity and that diet is the most important thing. It is however much easier to get a child to get into good exercise habits by making exercise enjoyable and fun than it is to convince a child to eat healthily.

The researchers recommended that children did simple things like just walking to school or knocking a football around every day as opposed to being driven to school and using computer games all the time. It is important also that children get physical activity because this can set the standards for later life and so they will become used to getting exercise and walking everywhere as opposed to always taking the car and leading a sedentary lifestyle. The head of the research team Professor Chris Riddoch says that his research shows the first clear and proven evidence that physical activity and obesity in children are directly linked.

So are your children getting enough exercise and are you doing enough physical exercise? Have a look at your life and work out how much physical activity you and your children do every day and make sure that it is enough. Exercise can be a really enjoyable way of getting healthy and fit and preventing obesity in your family. Maybe a daily game of football with your children or a long walk in the park may be all that you need to do to keep your family slim and trim.