Cardiorespiratory fitness(heart and lung fitness which help sustained physical activity) levels in children are declining considerably and this is not confined to only obese children according to a study by researchers at University of Essex. The study indicates that a child can be thin or have an ideal BMI (Body mass index) and still fail a fitness test. BMI is often used as indicator of ideal body weight and overall health. The falling fitness level is directly related to lack of physical activity among today’s children. This study shows that we need to have child fitness tests and not rely solely on BMI as indicator of health.

Source:

University of Essex. “Child fitness falls further than feared: Not obesity-related.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 19 June 2015. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150619114748.htm

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