Physical Activity

Regular physical activity improves strength, builds lean muscle, and decreases body fat. It can build stronger bones to last a lifetime.

For children and adolescents, regular physical activity has beneficial effects on the following aspects of health:

• Weight
• Muscular strength
• Cardiorespiratory (aerobic) fitness
• Bone mass (through weight-bearing physical activities)
• Blood pressure (for hypertensive youth)
• Anxiety and stress
• Self-esteem

Recommendations

It is recommended that children and adolescents participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity most days of the week, preferably daily. This physical activity recommendation is from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005. School based programs can help assure that these recommendations are attained.

Key Strategies to Prevent Obesity

The percentage of children who are overweight1 has more than doubled, and among adolescents the rates have more than tripled since 1980. Overweight is a risk factor for health conditions such as diabetes and is associated with problems such as poor self-esteem. The good news is that schools can help students and staff adopts healthy eating and physical activity behaviors that are the keys to preventing obesity. Visit the CDC's Healthy Youth page to learn more.

Learn more about making a difference at your school

More Resources

Kentucky Physical Activity Program, Kentucky Department for Public Health

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Healthly Schools Healthy Youth!

Nutrition Explorations with information for educators on school wellness policies