Teen eating, exercise habits may be improving: study

Bethesda, MD – Teens are exercising more and eating more fruits and vegetables, indicates a new study from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

Researchers surveyed 9,150 students in grades 6 through 10 across the country about their eating and exercising behaviors and body mass index. Along with an increase in physical activity and healthier eating, responses showed teens are eating breakfast more often, watching less TV and cutting back on sweets. While average BMI increased from 2001 to 2006, it leveled off through 2010, which researchers concluded is a sign that anti-obesity public health messages may be working.

The study was published online Sept. 16 in the journal Pediatrics.