NIH releases findings on impact of parent physical activity, sedentary behavior on their preschool

Young children do follow in their parents' footsteps. Literally. 

That's the conclusion of NIH-funded researchers who found that in underserved populations, parents' physical activity—and their sedentary behavior—directly correlates with the activity level of their preschoolers. Researchers say these findings, published January 9 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, could lead to interventions that focus more on helping parents model—not just encourage—an active lifestyle for their children.

In the U.S., children from low-income and ethnic minority families are more likely to be obese. A 2015 report shows that fewer than half of 2- to 5-year-old children achieve the recommended daily minimum of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity. This number is even lower for Latino and African-American children, who are at a higher risk of being overweight or obese.