DOC News July 1, 2005
Volume 2 Number 7 p. 15
© 2005 American Diabetes Association
Only Hearty Exercise Keeps Kids Fit and Lean
Adolescents who engage in moderate or vigorous physical activity may
increase fitness, but only relatively large amounts of vigorous exercise also
is linked to lower body fat, according to a new report.
A group of investigators recruited 421 teenagers from high schools around
Augusta, Ga., to participate in a study of physical activity. After an exam to
determine each person's height, weight, and physical health, each participant
was given a device that measures movement over a period of time.
After a week, the devices were analyzed to determine how physically active
each participant had been. Overall, researchers found greater cardiovascular
fitness, as measured by a treadmill test, among those who engaged in higher
levels of moderate and vigorous physical activity. A lower percentage of body
fat was associated with vigorous physical activity, but less so with moderate
physical activity.
Because the study was uncontrolled, there are limitations. Some
participants may be less physically active because they are overweight or have
inherited tendencies. Nonetheless, the authors conclude that to stay or become
more lean, adolescents should be encouraged to engage in physical activity
that is as vigorous as tolerated. Teens who are less fit should perform
moderate physical activity and regulate their diet, gradually progressing to
more vigorous activities.
Gutin B, Yin Z, Humphries MC, et al.: Relations of moderate
and vigorous physical activity to fitness and fatness in adolescents.
Am J Clin Nutr 81:746–750, 2005.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
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