Why Exercise In Kids Is Vital: Teenage Couch Potatoes Could Have Weak Bones For Life, Study Says

It's widely known that children who do not exercise regularly increase their obesity risk. A new study cites, however, there's also another reason why doing physical activities is important. Experts say teenagers who have a couch potato lifestyle could have weak bones for life.

Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) conducted the study involving 309 teenagers. Experts kept track of the kids for four years until they turned 16 and studied their physical development using HR-pQCT tools and x-rays.

They compared the differences among the participants who averagely got an hour of moderate to vigorous physical activities daily versus participants who spent less than 30 minutes in exercising. The findings were published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.

"We found that teens who are less active had weaker bones, and bone strength is critical for preventing fractures," lead study author Leigh Gabel said, as per Eurekalert. Only 25 percent of the participants were engaged in physical activity and the findings were grimmer for girls. Only nine percent had healthy bones.

Experts emphasize the ages from 10 to 14 in girls and 12 to 16 in boys as crucial. It is when teenagers develop the strength of their bones by as much as 36 percent. Bone strength covers bone density, bone size and its microarchitecture. Weak bones put a person at risk for osteoporosis.

Experts reminded parents and teachers to encourage kids to exercise. The physical movements don't have to be rigid as if the kids need to train as athletes.

"The skeleton is different than the cardiovascular system that it really likes sharp short bursts of exercise," co-study author Heather McKay said, as per Metro Canada. A walk in the park, dancing or simple aerobic activities will do.

Parents, do you have experiences with teenage couch potatoes at home? What measures have you done to encourage fitness? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.