Study reveals school-day structure can help obese kids

We have been hearing about kids gaining weight due to lack of exercise during the lockdown. A group of researchers from the University of Central Florida, USA, found that in the backdrop of COVID-19 and remote classes, a structured schedule and reopening schools might lead to more activity for students and less chances of fat gain. The report was published in  August this year in the journal ‘Childhood Obesity’.  

What were the results of the study?  
Students were recorded spending an average extra 16 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on school days when compared with non-school days. Besides, their no-activity hours reduced by one hour; while screen time dropped by an hour and half on school days. The parents reported that the kids had gained weight suddenly over the months of lockdown following the pandemic.  

What do the researchers recommend? 
Based on findings, the team said that kids need some sort of structure in their days, even when school is closed due to COVID19, holidays or inclement weather. Study authors urged parents and educators to find ways to keep children active indoors. They need to plan activities children can do without having to go outside, and how to keep them away from repeatedly sitting in front of screens. 

How was the research conducted?  
Senior UCF researcher Keith Brazendale wanted to focus the study on rural students, since he noted they are at a higher risk of obesity than urban children. He also noticed that there is less data on behaviours which lead to obesity among children in comparison to studies on adults. These habits included little to no physical activity, imbalanced diet, poor sleeping habits, and spending too much time in front of digital screens. The team studied 50 students from rural schools. They noticed that all of the bad habits dropped on school days, while the general activity level rose.  

The researchers used wristband accelerometers to study physical activity and sleep students get on school and non-school days. The participants’ parents kept record of their child’s daily diet and screen time during the two-week experiment.