 Some nurseries hold exercise classes for children |
The belief that obesity can be thwarted by getting overweight children to take more exercise is misplaced, according to a new study. Researchers from the University of Glasgow found that pupils at nursery who took part in exercise classes were no slimmer than other children.
It is thought the children compensated for activity by eating more, or taking it easy for the rest of the day.
Scottish children are among the most overweight in the developed world.
It is believed that about 10% of four to five-year-olds are clinically obese.
Tackling the problem, according to scientists, is far from simple.
Researchers in Glasgow compared two groups of nursery school children - some who took regular active play sessions and others who did not.
They found those who took the exercise classes were just as overweight as the rest.
The scientists said the results of the study showed childhood obesity would have to be tackled on several fronts - by changing children's diets and what they do at home and school.
On a more positive note, the study team also revealed that exercise did make children nimbler, making them more likely to engage in sport in the future.
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