Sedentary Toddlers

The problems associated with childhood obesity just got a lot more complicated: A British study suggests that even 3-year-old children are too sedentary – a factor that may affect their physical and emotional health later in life.

The study, the first that has ever rigorously tracked the activity of preschoolers, found that the average 3-year-old gets only about 20 minutes of exercise a day. One hour of activity a day is considered the ideal level for children this age. That means the average 3-year-old burns only about 1,300 calories through exercise – less than the 1,500 calories recommended.

Researchers lay the blame for this reduced activity on the usual culprits, television and other visual media. Experts have consistently blamed television, videos, CD’s and computer games for the rising tide of teenage obesity.

Posted by Jim Langcuster at January 30, 2004 12:48 PM