Are girls active enough?
A new piece of research on fitness for kids has highlighted the need for greater physical activity among girls.
The study published in the journal Pediatrics, found that over a course of a year, ten-year-olds decreased the amount of exercise they undertook, especially over the weekend.
Girls were worse off than boys with the lowest levels of physical activity, concluded the study.
Amy Thompson, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: "The benefits of physical activity for all age groups is well established.
"With levels of obesity in children rising, it is vital that we support children to incorporate regular physical activity to their day to day lives."
She added that children should take at least one hour of rigorous physical exercise such as active play, running or cycling.
In the US, the National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month recently kicked off with workshops aimed at increasing awareness.
Posted by Sarah Thomas
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More play areas for Leeds kids
Two-thirds of parents "not reading daily" with kids
Liverpool kids to help design play areas
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PE should be 'made a priority'
Kids get active thanks to free swim programme
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Kids 'motivated by mothers exercising'
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Wash hands to 'prevent spread' of pneumonia
Bradford gets £1.1m for kids play areas
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London 2012 programme reached kids in Jordan
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Camden Council prioritises exercise for kids
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Under 5s to get swine flu jab
French health programme adopted by Scottish schools
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Kids at day care centres 'watch less TV'
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Involve children in fun festive activities, parents advised
David Beckham is an 'inspiration' to asthma sufferers
New parents given tips on healthy habits for babies
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Dancing 'great activity for kids'
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Lack of sleep worsens hyperactive kids' condition
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Children in Swindon to be educated in healthy living
New cookbook promotes things to do with kids in the kitchen
Baby sensory classes are "really important"
Kids who blog have 'improved literacy skills'
Fitness for kids 'prevents back pain'
Exercise for kids reduces child obesity risk, but sometimes it's 'caused by DNA'
Free soft play for kids, Darling?
Exercise for kids can 'cure worries'
Fitness activities for kids: Play hide-and-seek with objects
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Free school meals scheme to be extended
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Exercise for kids 'improves many health issues'
Obesity in children 'must be fought with fizzy drinks tax'
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Parents play with kids' toys 'for a month of their lifetime'
Boys soft play fitness could 'boosts intelligence'
Tobacco smoke 'causes behavioural problems in kids'
Is indoor soft play more beneficial than the Wii Fit?
Video games 'complement visual-spatial skills'
More boys than girls do recommended amount of exercise for kids
Exercise for kids sessions held in West Midlands
Video games 'improve reaction time'
Two thirds of parents fed up with nursery rhymes
Exercise for kids and controlled caloric intake 'can beat child obesity'
Contact lenses are 'useful' for children during exercise for kids
Injuries can happen 'in seconds' in outdoor play
Safety of outdoor play to be improved?
Scottish government 'should prioritise exercise for kids'
Product placement could 'fuel child obesity'
Start4Life campaign launched
Make sure kids play safe in winter, parents warned
It is 'vital' that parents talk to kids as much as possible
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Quarter of mums 'spend more time online than engaging in soft play with kids'
Exercise for kids programme begins later this month
Soft play important for motor development, computers for educational development
New child obesity-reducing device 'will not work without exercise for kids'
US kids play areas to be developed with $33 million grant
Let children 'know how they should behave' during learning tasks
Soft play centre provides hospitalised children with somewhere to have fun
Government department joins US campaign encouraging exercise for kids
Overweight in Portsmouth to benefit from exercise for kids sessions
Eating with children 'strengthens family bonds'
Early development problems 'could signal schizophrenia development'
Fitness for obese kids prescribed by nurses
Kids' social skills develop "much earlier" than previously thought
Half of mums think their obese kids are of a 'normal weight'
Fitness for kids 'not related to parents health'
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Obese boys 'at risk of delayed puberty onset'
Mend exercise for kids programme 'effective in preventing obesity'
Construction begins on Plymouth development with soft play centre
Regular fitness activities for kids 'prevents chronic illnesses'
Walking group encourages youngsters to get involved
FSA encourages exercise for kids
Soft play centre owner talks about setting up her business
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Schoolboy develops his own board game
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Soft play is 'important in child development'
Soft play research finds babies understand adults' intentions
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Scientists develop fitness activities for kids
Hearty Lives Bristol encourages exercise for kids
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Middlesex children enjoy cafe events
Exercise for kids unpopular in UK, shows study
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Ulverston demands soft play centre
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Soft play for Welsh youngsters
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South Asian kids at higher risk of diabetes
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Good behaviour can improve school grades
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Organic labels can 'mislead'
No more 'happy' in Happy Meals
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BHF issues curry health warning
Hand-clapping songs may improve child development
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Obesity children face more bullying
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Childhood obesity offers no room for complacency, say experts
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Playing near railways 'may increase asthma risk'
Exercise for kids could strengthen hips
Creative presentation of fruits can encourage healthy eating
Mum's voice 'as soothing as a hug'
Poor kids' lack of sleep 'causing delinquency'
Walking to school 'good exercise for kids'
Processed meat 'increases heart disease risk'
Depression can stop children from enjoying soft play
Exercising in-between classes can benefit kids
Bullying 'harms child development'
Parents should cut down on TV viewing
'Working mothers have overweight kids'
Does America need more soft play centres?
Parental encouragement can ensure an active childhood
Soft play centres provide a cheap alternative to expensive holidays
Fears over flu encourages better hygiene
Parents' lack of first aid basics puts children at risk
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Families can spend time together at indoor play centres
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Denise Lewis: Family time can double-up as sports time
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ADHD in children triggered by family background and finances
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Attending pre-school boosts child development
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Parental communication helps language development in babies
Child obesity linked to disadvantaged neighbourhood
MEPs vote on EU food-labelling
Early exposure to computers hampers children's attention spans
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'Family education can fight child obesity'
Experts turn to comic books in fight against child obesity
Soft Play for Father's Day
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Food habits in early years impact immunity development in children
BHF warns against salty barbeques
Babies should snack on healthy foods to keep up energy levels
Avoid trans fat in children's foods
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Child seats selection 'essential' for kids' safety on roads
Child abuse may raise heart disease risk
Parenting 'influences' binge drinking
RNLI advises parents to be careful
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Strict parenting hinders child development, says expert
Early start to eating healthily is vital to combat child obesity
Beetroot juice lowers blood pressure levels
TV viewing increases risks of heart disease
Baby foods may contain unusually high levels of sugar
Stopping breastfeeding early 'could be detrimental'
New temperature table to make car travel safer for children
Sports teach 'important life skills'
Excessive computer use can reduce grades, says expert
Soft play can reduce risks of dementia
Parenting style influences eating habits
Play is 'key' to child development
Toys may hamper child development
RHS: Gardening boosts child development
Children should not be offered food 'as a reward'
Soft play for inexpensive summer entertainment
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Obesity linked to convenience store proximity
Difficult childhood raises the risks of suicide
Parental drinking 'influences' children
Brits waste holidays by getting sick abroad
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Learning social problem-solving skills can combat bullying
Spontaneous play 'good for child development'
Exercise for kids 'could be key to avoiding metabolic syndrome'
Understanding obesity 'key to changing children's risk'
Incorrect spoons increase overdose risks
Experimentation with sports can encourage exercise for kids
Mental wellbeing can improve physical health
Smacking a child is a 'bad idea'
Telly and computers shrink children's attention spans
Younger children benefit the most from community interventions to curb obesity
Adequate sleep is important for children's wellbeing
Routine can overcome fussy eating, says expert
Global parenting trends
Eating vended snack food 'could result in child health problems'
Parents urged to tackle obesity in children
Girls and boys have different learning needs
Are salads really healthy?
'School lunches are beneficial'
To combat child obesity lead by example, says expert
Tips to fight childhood obesity
'TV bad for children's health'
Reaction to Ofsted report 'could narrow educational experience'
A flawed FTO gene could be the cause of childhood obesity, according to new research.
Childhood obesity 'leads to severe obesity later in life'
Could prenatal stress and health problems be connected?
Only children are happier than those with siblings, according to new research from the UK.
Gadgets 'replacing face time'
Young children should be given the flu jab, according to researchers.
Hidden factors 'contribute to obesity'
Children of divorce 'more prone to strokes'
Children say cars go too fast
Parents 'unaware of own child's obesity'
Are kids' waist sizes more important than weight?
Changing diet when pregnant 'can combat obesity'
Obese children 'show signs of heart disease'
Children to receive vouchers for walking to school
EU to investigate unhealthy food marketing to kids
Eating disorders rise in children
Michelle Obama promotes exercise for children
Number of children having MMR in England 'still not good enough'
Genetic link to BMI found
Obesity 'increases risk of cancer'
Extra weight 'causes death'
Pregnant woman's diet 'shapes tastes of baby'
Fitness for kids in school regime criticised
Major US study will assess kids' fitness and causes of obesity
Weight loss surgery candidates could increase
Parents 'to spend £2bn on kids at Christmas'
Obese people lazy 'due to lack of protein'
Fitness for kids: Let little ones enjoy supervised play
Does mobile phone use affect kids' behaviour?
New kids health research centre to open in US
Denying play makes children 'angry and naughty'
Free play "essential" to child's development skills
Could unemployment lead to child neglect?
'Toddlers should not be left unattended'
Children may be safer at a soft play centre than with a babysitter
Exercise for kids could help mitigate impact of screen time
'Chemical in mother's blood could lead to heavier babies'
'Screen time affects children's wellbeing'
'Children with ADHD are at higher risk of suicide'
Adverse childhood could lead to stress in adult life
'No alcohol means no risk'
Walk to school to combat child obesity
Could child benefits affect fitness for kids?
Baby milk ad banned over child development claim
Light drinking poses no risk to babies, finds new research
Flu jabs during pregnancy 'can be good for the child'
Food labelling could help fight child obesity
Is there a lack of emphasis on sport in state schools?
Halloween 'can be fun for the whole family'
'Family settings determine educational achievement'
Mother's absence is detrimental to child development
Food allergies could lead to bullying, finds research
Fitness for kids determined by life experience, says new research
Mothers' diets impact fitness for kids
Child development not affected by IVF, says research
Breastfeeding is 'good for babies'
Exercise in soft play centres could also benefit school work
Does owning a dog make kids healthier?
Strict parenting could be detrimental to child development
Being overprotective is not in children's best interests
Televisions and computers 'contribute to child obesity'
New study can prevent dog bites
Lack of exercise could cause asthma
Is child obesity caused by a virus?
Reading with kids boosts child development
ASD in boys linked to missing gene
Better teaching methods are needed to tackle learning disabilities
Joining in songs at soft play centres could aid in child development
Michelle Obama targets restaurants
Does your child really have special needs?
Early child education vital for sustainable future
Is childhood obesity underestimated?
Smaller class sizes are better for child development
Many parents 'failing to secure car seats properly'
Will scrutinising food labels improve child health?
'Mental number line affects memory'
New journal focuses on child obesity levels
Babies' gaze could help detect autism
Triple action to combat child obesity suggested by expert
'Inspire kids to love good food'
Could early intervention reduce risks of obesity?
What are we feeding our kids?
Sports-related child head injuries 'on the rise'
Manchester kids must find alternative entertainment following project closure
Walking to school may reduce kids stress
Are parents being misled by indoor play centre food labelling?
Are parents clueless when it comes to soft play?
Overweight children are more prone to headaches, research suggests
Educate kids about online privacy
Media scepticism can combat substance abuse
Combating back to school blues
ASH: Quit cigarettes to prevent children from taking up smoking
Obesity levels are on the rise
Will cuts to playground development boost the popularity of soft play centres?
Parental monitoring 'can reduce drug abuse'
Fitness for kids drops as playtime decreases
Only children do not lag behind in social skills, finds new research
Soft play linked to physical activity benefits
Walking to school can aid in child development
Popeye inspires children to eat healthy
Are personality traits part of our biology?
How effective are Canada's Children's Fitness Tax Credits?
Signs of autism may be obvious at a young age
Teaching in schools is 'suffering from a lack of creativity'
Building confidence in girls 'can combat bullying'
Breastfeeding 'should be an informed choice'
Kids' ability to play is 'under threat'
Change4Life focuses on fitness for kids in Watford
Children need more freedom, says expert
Supermodel Gisele calls for breastfeeding law
Maternal employment 'does not harm' child development
NUT: Sports are not risky
BHF calls for complete ban on junk food advertising
Exercise not plus-size clothing will help fight child obesity, says expert
Banning vending machines could stop children from smoking
Is sleep medication good for children?
Talking can help children to learn
Do not shun books over summer, advise experts
Early diagnosis is best for treating autism
TV viewing can lead to child obesity
Child abuse leads to health problems
Mothers should lead the fight against child obesity
E-books a 'great way' to read
Indoor play 'can lead to life of exercise'
Sibling support 'vital' to child development
Negative family environments can cause behavioural problems
Does childhood obesity constitute neglect?
Fit children have better appetite control
Packed lunches 'hinder' fight against child obesity
Eating healthy reduces heart disease risks
Managing diabetes is important for young athletes
Will maternity leave extension hit mums' employment prospects?
Kids need 'creative, healthy lunchboxes'
Mums 'feel pressured to lose weight after pregnancy'
Could 'exergaming' help obese children?
Addiction to gaming 'not that widespread'
Kids 'do not mimic parent's diets'
Games are fun but can also help with development
One in ten kids to get £250 worth of gadgets this Christmas
Top toys for kids this Christmas
Parents 'should help their kids to make friends'
Home births may be more relaxing for many mums
Weaning baby - it's how you do it, not when
Book suggestions for reading with kids
Govt anti-obesity campaign 'insulting'
Kids fitness 'needs at least five hours of sport a week'
Could activity classes for kids curb pathological gaming addiction?
Introduce the kids to Chinese New Year, one writer says
Children's resolutions 'sensible'
Rainy days 'can be fun with the right activities'
Play 'has always been central to humans'
Amir Khan: Parents must help their kids get into sport
Gender stereotypes: Are kids born that way?
Pretend games 'important for childhood development'
Are toddlers safe around pets?
'Limit kids' screen time', says one expert
Children 'must be priority in the sun'
Children 'must take screen breaks and have regular eye examinations'
Little boys experimenting with female clothes and toys is healthy, experts say
What to look out for in the first four months
Take the kids to Gambado and let mum relax on Mother's Day
Teach kids about the environment on Earth Day
Play, exercise and achievement 'key to kids' happiness'
Diet and digestion 'vital for mums-to-be'
Play outdoors or at soft play centres this summer
Egg-cellent Easter activities for kids
Could sibling rivalry be good for kids?