Children Who Exercise Have Better Body Fat Distribution

Our kids need our guidance to become happy and well-adjusted adults, but they need our help to be healthy as well. Did you know that children who exercise regularly actually have better body fat distribution? If you do not yet know why that is so important to a person’s overall health and longevity, then now is the time to learn. Kids who are overweight or obese face many challenges that could be otherwise avoided. It is up to parents and guardians to ensure that today’s children grow up to experience optimal health and opportunity.

What Happens to an Overweight or Obese Kid’s Body?

Being overweight or obese is hard on anyone’s body, but a child is especially vulnerable to the side effects of an overly high body mass index (BMI). Unfortunately, about 33 percent of today’s American youth are considered obese—a problem that translates into around 300,000 deaths per year (in both children and adults). Kids who live inside an overweight body will likely suffer from an inability to sleep, high blood pressure, the development of diabetes, an increased risk of heart disease, and certain weight-related breathing problems.

Why Is Fat Distribution So Important?

It is quite adorable when our little babies are all chunky and fat, but as our children get older, it is important that we help them develop better body fat distribution. In just the last few decades, scientists and other nutritional experts have been closely studying the correlation between metabolic functions and obesity. Their findings show that excess fat in the body can increase a person’s risk of developing certain diseases, especially for kids. On top of that, improper body fat distribution in childhood can sometimes lay the unfortunate groundwork for obesity later on in life.

What Do I Do?

Achieving better body fat distribution is simple when you know what you are doing wrong. We do not like to admit that our children are unhealthy, but a quick look at their physique might tell us otherwise. A realization that there is a problem is perhaps the most important step in the process.

Kids who exercise have better body fat distribution, and that is a fact. Aerobic and cardio workouts are great, but the main idea is to get the heart rate up for at least 20 to 30 minutes per day. In the day and age of video games and stationary activities, it is our responsibility to make sure our kids are getting enough exercise. Talk to your pediatrician for more personalized information.