Kids Getting Sick, Anxious, Depressed from Lack of Exercise: Podcast

To protect both their physical and mental health, kids need to get exercise and take part in outdoor play, says Dr. Dan O’Neill, author of “Survival of the Fit.” I interviewed him recently for my youth sports podcast and learned that his book is an important wake-up call.

Twenty percent of kids are obese, and develop ailments such as diabetes, pre-diabetes and high cholesterol due to lack of exercise, he says. They’re also suffering from anxiety and depression. These are adult ailments, and kids are getting them at young ages.

How can sports parents ensure their kids are healthy, confident and enjoy the benefits of sports?

O’Neill blames screen time and processed foods for the problems with kids’ health. In general, children and teens spend too much time on the couch looking at screens or playing video games. And processed foods undermine their health, he says.

Especially during the pandemic, when kids are not participating in sports, it’s okay to insist that they get some exercise, preferably outside, says O’Neill. They can walk, hike, bike, ski, skate or just play outside, he says. This improves both their physical and mental health.

Listen to my interview with O’Neill here:

Kids are Getting Sick from Lack of Exercise and Play