Finding ways to help children and adolescents manage weight is a major priority for families and doctors. New data from a large review of 3,446 children and teens shows that aerobic exercise programs—which can include just exercise or a mix of exercise and diet—lead to improvements in body composition. These improvements include changes in weight, waist circumference, and body fat percentage.
Beyond weight, the study found that these programs increased cardiorespiratory fitness, which is the body's ability to use oxygen during physical activity. While the data showed a small reduction in depression scores, the evidence for mental health was not very strong. Other markers, like blood pressure and certain blood fats, did not show significant changes.
It is important to note that the evidence for these findings is not very certain because the studies involved were quite different from one another. Additionally, the results for self-esteem were unclear. Because these findings come from a broad collection of studies, talk to a doctor to determine the best exercise plan for a child's specific needs.
Common questions
What specific physical benefits did children see from aerobic exercise?
Children and adolescents in the study showed improvements in body composition, including weight, waist circumference, and body fat percentage. They also showed an increase in cardiorespiratory fitness, which is the body's ability to use oxygen during exercise. These results were seen in programs that used only aerobic exercise or a combination of exercise and diet.
Does aerobic exercise help with mental health in children with obesity?
The study found a small reduction in depression scores for the children involved. However, the evidence for this finding was not robust. Results regarding self-esteem were sparse and inconclusive, meaning the data was not strong enough to draw a firm conclusion about how exercise affects a child's self-esteem.
How certain are these results for children and teens?
The overall certainty of the evidence is low because the studies included were very different from one another. While the improvements in body composition and fitness were noted, the findings should be interpreted cautiously. You should speak with a healthcare provider to create a safe and effective plan for a child.
