Recognizing the risk of obesity in youth

Abstract

Participating in youth sports has major benefits for children; however, research has limitations about whether it has a positive effect on reducing the risk of obesity. A representative sample of boys and girls between the ages of 9-12 were examined to indicate whether participation in organized youth sport created a positive effect on the risk of obesity. Obesity is defined as the body mass index (BMI) of boys and girls between ages 9-12 is BMI ≥95th percentile (30+ BMI) & Overweight is BMI ≥85th percentile (25-29 BMI). Children who were sport participants and children who were non-sport participants were the subjects for the study. A sample size of 50 kids (children between ages 9-12 – 25 sport participants and 25 non-sport participants) was randomly selected at one city elementary school in Georgia. Over a one year span the subjects between ages 9-12 who participate in youth sports, 20 out of 25(80%) sport participants illustrated a greater variation of reduced obesity than only five children out of 25 (20%) who did not participate in youth sports were under the overweight, obese level. Data and research suggest participation in youth sports between the ages of 9-12 for boys and girls have a positive effect on reducing the risk of obesity. Supplementary variables also were used in the study such as diet of sport participants versus non-sport participants. Studies also indicated 20 out of 20 (100%) sport-participants between ages of 9-12 were more likely to consume vegetables, proteins, fruits and non-carbonated beverages versus non-sport participants between ages of 9-12 who consumed more carbonated beverages and fast food. Additional research will foster understanding of how participating in youth sports and a healthy diet can have a positive effect on reducing obesity.