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Small amounts of exercise make a big difference
Obesity is implicated in a variety of disorders: diabetes, chronic fatigues, heart failure, depression. Overweight teens also struggle with body dissatisfaction, social alienation and low self esteem. Dr. Gary Goldfield, registered psychologist, clinical researcher at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, has researched how exercise impacts teens once it is introduced into their lives.
Just get the kids started
“The first thing I tell teens and parents struggling with their weight in my practice is to throw away the scale,” said Dr. Gary Goldfield. “These kids face enough challenges with bullying and peer pressure today! This new study is proof positive that even a modest dose of exercise is prescriptive for a mental health boost.”
Exercise was moderate and comfortable
Thirty teens aged 12 to 17 were recruited for the program. They participated in twice weekly lab-based sessions of either stationary cycling to the music of their choice or interactive video game. This lasted ten weeks. Exercise was performed at a moderate intensity. Music was used to distract from discomfort. The volunteers could stop whenever they wanted to during their 60-minute exercise session. Afterwards, they were measured for psychosocial functioning including scholastic competence, social competence, athletic competence, body image and self esteem.
Weight didn’t change but attitude did
Although their bodies didn’t change much, they tested much better on all other aspects including body image, self esteem and weight esteem. “We’re talking about psychological benefits derived from improved fitness resulting from modest amount of aerobic exercise – not a change in weight or body fat,” explained Dr. Goldfield. “If you can improve your physical activity and fitness even minimally, it can help improve your mental health. By teaching kids o focus on healthy active lifestyle behaviors, they are focusing on something they can control.”
Source: MedicalNewsToday, Journal of Pediatric Psychology
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