Evidence Based Tips on Childhood Obesity and Physical Activity

The World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) published a fact sheet on childhood obesity and physical activity. Here are several of the suggested recommendations based on research:

1. 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day for children ages 5-18 years old.
2. Preschoolers should participate in 60 minutes of unstructured physical activity per day.
3. To increase physical activity in adolescents involve the school, community and family.
4. To encourage physical activity in preschoolers have outside play areas and supportive staff.
5. Preschoolers will engage in more physical activity if their parents are active, they have a large yard and there are restrictions on television.
6. Encourage and assist children with disabilities to find appropriate physical activities.

For the fact sheet in its entirety visit http://www.pediatricapta.org/pdfs/WPTDay-C1-Child_obesity.pdf

Reference: World Confederation for Physical Therapy. Childhood Obesity and Physical Activity. Retrieved from the web on 8/5/09 from http://www.pediatricapta.org/pdfs/WPTDay-C1-Child_obesity.pdf.