First Lady Michelle Obama announced yesterday an initiative to reverse rising levels of childhood obesity - and scientific research from the American College of Sports Medicine backs up the strategies related to physical activity in her "Let's Move" campaign.
Multiple studies published in ACSM's official scientific journal confirm that higher levels of activity - important in combating obesity - have positive effects for children beyond just weight management.
Perhaps the most encouraging research finds that the most active kids also fare the best in school. In one study of more than 200 middle-schoolers, students who participated in vigorous physical activity after school earned better grades on their report cards.
