Health Benefits of Weight Loss Start Young

The percentage of overweight and obese kids and teens has more than doubled over the past 30 years. Many factors contribute to this epidemic, but children are becoming lazier and sitting around more than ever, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). However, there is some good news—there are many health benefits to weight loss if children start an exercise routine while they’re still young.

While the health benefits of weight loss through exercise and diet modifications are great for children, adults can benefit just as much. In a show of solidarity, we provide you with a number of examples of physical activities you can enjoy with the kids in your life to get healthy together.

Whether you’re seeking a more active lifestyle to achieve your weight loss goals, or you’re just working out to knock away that extra stress, there are many health benefits to weight loss and exercise, especially if you start young.

These health benefits include:

      - Building stronger muscles and bones.

      - Being less likely to become overweight.

      - Decreasing the risk of developing type two diabetes.

      - Lowering blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels.

      - Enhancing your mood by releasing endorphins.

      - Improving sleep which in turn makes you better able to handle physical and emotional challenges.

       - Helping ward off depression & anxiety by providing more oxygenated blood to the brain.

A consistent exercise routine has many lifestyle and health benefits to weight-loss and exercise. When you exercise on a regular basis, you’re increasing your endurance, strength and flexibility.

Here are some family friendly activities to get your kids started on an exercise routine early on:

       - Playing tag

      - Playing basketball

      - Going for a bike ride

      - Creating an obstacle course and running through it

      - Hula hooping

      - Jump roping

      - Inline-skating

      - Swimming

      - Playing tennis

      - Playing soccer

      - Going for a walk or a hike in the park

All of those endurance building activities are excellent ways to get children started on an active lifestyle. There are more health benefits to weight-loss and exercise than a trimmer physique and better mental well-being.