Physical Activity

A WHO expert panel has reviewed evidence on the beneficial impact of physical activity on young children and has assessed the effect of inadequate sleep and inactivity.

The experts stress that the early years are especially important because enough active time and quality sleep when you are young can avoid obesity and associated diseases later in life. A vital point, given the unprecedented levels of childhood obesity and physical inactivity throughout Europe.

An important message given by the WHO is that we have to bring back play time. Sedentary time, including screen time, should be limited while maintaining adequate sleep time.

A new study, published by researchers from the Boston University School of Medicine, shows that incremental light intensity physical activity, such as short, regular walks, is associated with higher brain volume. The researchers worked with a sample of 2354 participants of which almost half met the physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week.