Importance of physical activity in preschoolers highlighted by researcher

Medical X-Press – Staff Writer

The journey to obesity can start as young as age one so increased physical activity should be established and encouraged early, University of Otago researchers say. In a world first, Otago researchers tracked physical activity and sedentary behaviour in children aged one to five, and analysed how activity levels related to body composition at age five. While three hours per day of light to vigorous activity is recommended, they found a large proportion of young children maintain a highly sedentary pattern. (more)