Teddy Bears Fight Obesity

Filed in archive News on June 30, 2006

Kids need more exercise these days. But convincing them of that can be difficult. So why not hide the exercise inside their
favorite toys?

Doctors and health advocates have warned for years that American children are getting fatter. Now even some kids' teddy bears are packing on the pounds.

But these heavy toys aim to combat obesity, not add to it.

Researchers at Indiana State University in Terre Haute tried a small experiment to test the effects of having kids play with heavier toys. They found that 10 children ages six to eight burned more calories and had higher heart and breathing rates when they moved 1.4 kilogram toy blocks instead of unweighted blocks.

It certainly won't cure the problem, but it's a start. Hmmm...I wonder if they make weighted TV remotes for adults?

(Photo Source: Say It With Bears)