Physical activity is an important component of a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages. Too often children aren’t spending enough time being physically active, and they could pay a hefty price for that as kids and adults.
The digital age has altered childhood for millions of youngsters. Whereas kids once spent much of their free time engaging in unstructured play, typically doing so outdoors, modern kids now live more sedentary lives indoors. Low energy sitting or reclining while looking at a phone or playing video games means children are spending more time than ever in inactive states, which can lead to longterm, negative health consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about 24 percent of children between the ages of six and 17 participate in 60 minutes of physical activity each day. The World Health Organization reports that more than 80 percent of the world’s school-aged adolescent population is insufficiently physically active. Here’s a look at how this lack of exercise is affecting children.
• Increased childhood obesity: Inactivity is directly tied to the global rise in childhood obesity, as sedentary behavior reduces metabolic rates and alters how the body processes fats and sugars, says the WHO.
• Reduction in cardiovascular fitness: Without regular exertion, the lungs and heart will not develop the same efficiency as they would if kids were physically active. According to data published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, sedentary childhood habits can contribute to arterial stiffness, which is a precursor to heart disease.
• Potential for weaker bone structures: Bone density is built through weight-bearing exercises like jumping and running. Sedentary children run the risk of entering adulthood with weaker bones, potentially leading to orthopedic issues and higher rates of fractures.
• Adverse psychological effects: Physical activity releases feel-good chemicals in the body like endorphins and dopamine. Highly sedentary children may be at an elevated risk for anxiety and depression because they are not reaping the benefit of these natural mood boosters.
• Decreased cognitive function: Cognitive function could be impacted by low physical movement, which decreases blood flow to the brain, says the National Institutes of Health.
Children can benefit from being active, as it offers protective benefits against various health ailments that can manifest during childhood and even later in life.
