Lose Fat with 15 Minutes Daily Exercise

Bristol University has released the results of a study about the link between exercise and obesity in children, reports The Daily Mail (dailymail.co.uk).

The cutting edge study found that even a small amount to additional daily exercise could reap big fat loss and health benefits for children. The addition of a daily brisk walk or bike ride could cut the risk of obesity in children significantly.

The research project by Bristol University monitored 5,500 12 year olds. The project was called "Children of the 90's". The large study monitored a significant number of children, by monitoring their activity for ten hours a day, according to The Bristol University Press Release (bris.ac.uk). The study utilized cutting edge technology to measure results.

The Bristol University (bris.ak.uk) study found that the risk of becoming obese was cut significantly with just 15 minutes of extra activity daily. Boys in the study cut their risk by more than half. Girls in the study cut their risk by at least 40 percent.

The research team was led by Professor Chris Riddoch. Professor Riddoch was quoted by Daily Mail (dailymail.co.uk) as saying "This study provides some of the first robust evidence on the link between physical activity and obesity in children. We know that diet is important - but what this research tells us is that we mustn't forget about activity. It's been really surprising to us how even small amounts of exercise appear to have dramatic results. 'The number of fat children has doubled in ten years with one in four aged 11-15 now classified as obese. Almost half of girls are obese or overweight."

Obesity has increased in children as activity has declined. Sports programs have declined at schools, an playing fields in Great Britain have been sold off, according to Daily Mail (dailymail.co.uk). Th British Government has set a target to halt the increase in obesity in children.

In the latest study, published in PLosS Medicine, children wore a monitor that kept track of their movements for a week. Professor Riddoch, of Bath University, stated that the activity intensity was critical. Daily Mail quoted Professor Riddoch as saying, "Moderate to vigorous activity was much more effective, which means exercise that makes a child get a little out of breath".

According to the University of Bristol Press Release (bris.ac.uk), fifteen minutes of exercise shows significant benefits, but should be considered a starting point in a weight loss and health plan.

The study indicates that a relatively small daily change in activity can show excellent benefits. Parents might consider having the child walk or ride the bike to school instead of driving them, if feasible. Making sure that they go outside and play daily instead of sitting in front of the TV or computer can give them the benefits of fresh air and exercise, as well.

Parents can participate by taking a brisk walk with their child, spending some quality time together and reaping the weight loss benefits together. There are many people who avoid a plan that involves a half hour or hour of physical activity , that could incorporate fifteen minutes of exercise into their daily routine easily.

Professor Chris Riddoch is the Professor of Sport and Exercise Science at Bath University School for Health, in England (bath.ac.uk)/ Professor Riddoch originally trained as a Physical Education teacher. He taught in schools in London, England for ten years, before moving to Queen's University and the University of Bristol. Professor Riddoch's research focused upon children's health and physical activity.