Are Youth Sports a Deterrent to Child Obesity?

Synopsis: As obesity rates among children in the United States continue to be a major concern among parents, educators, and health officials, the issue of whether or not participation in youth sports can be part of the solution.

There are many reasons parents and pediatric experts encourage children to participate in youth athletics. Organized sports offer an atmosphere where children can interact in a positive manner, working together toward a goal, developing friendships as well as interacting with adults who are not family members. There is an ability to develop motor skills, and develop a sense of self-assurance. Many also believe youth sports participation will lead to better exercise habits which can help to curb the nation’s child obesity problem. It is a subject up for debate.

A 2012 study published in the journal Pediatrics calculates the effect participating in two sports teams per year would have on adolescent obesity. The study claims obesity numbers would plunge as much a 26 percent. The same study shows if all adolescents would walk or bike to school four out of five days the obesity rate would drop by 22 percent.

A report by the American College of Sports Medicine which provides contrasting information was published a year earlier. The report compared the research of 19 different studies on the subject. The report agrees with the assumption that sports participation is a great way for the nation’s youth to develop numerous physical and social skills, and athletics provide the setting for pursuing obesity prevention goals. However, the ACSM report also takes into account other pertinent information gathered from those 19 research studies. Data shows the increase in physical activity was in direct correlation to the youth participants' increased amount of their food consumption, including some unhealthy food and beverage choices.

Obese children face another obstacle should they decide to initiate participation in organized sports. Just as a sport is a great way to create a sense of self-worth and accomplishment, it can also foster an adverse atmosphere for the obese child. The obese child is confronted with a body type that may hinder the development of sport-specific skills. The inability to positively contribute to the overall team effort may result in the obese child losing interest in the sport or quitting the team. Parents and coaches must prepare themselves to address such a scenario.

Many pediatricians believe introducing youth into organized sports is just the first step toward attacking the child obesity issue. Parents need to address the eating habits of the entire family. Making changes to everyone’s diet. Unfortunately, sometimes it is involved in youth sports which attribute to unhealthy eating. Game times interfere with normal dining hours, leading fast-food takeout. Dieticians suggest preparing meals ahead of time for such evenings.

Family exercise is another step to take. Not only are obese children increasing physical activity a few times a week on a court or ball field, but they are also taking a nightly walk or bike ride with parents and siblings. A family game of wiffle ball or tossing a Frisbee can offer more than just physical benefits to children.