Directions

Ingredients

New Research: Healthy Weight in Children Due More to Food Than Exercise


What kind of study was this?

This was a cross-sectional observational study which means that researchers did not administer any treatment nor did they follow participants over time. They took measurements at one time point and compared the measures between different groups of study participants.

What did researchers want to know?

They already knew that children in Peru who live in rural environments without processed food and electronics have healthier weight on average than children who live in urban environments. With this study, they wanted to know if these differences are due to diet, exercise, or a combination of diet and exercise.  

What did the researchers actually do?

They compared the weight and diets of children of the same ethnic background and same country—the Shuar in Peru—but live in very different environments. So, they took measurements of a group of Shuar children who live in a rural environment and Shuar children who live in a more urban environment. The measurements included body fat percentage, metabolism speed, immune system strength, diet, and physical activity.

What did the researchers find?

They found that the urban children on average had more body fat, slower metabolism, and weaker immune systems. Unsurprisingly, the urban children also ate way more processed foods. But one thing that wasn’t different between the rural and urban children? Physical activity levels.

What does this mean for parents and kids?

Physical activity is important for all human beings, regardless of age. But this study supports many others (nicely reviewed HERE) that show diet is way more important than exercise for reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. If you’re concerned about your child’s weight, focus on diet over exercise.

Original article: Urlacher, S., et al. Childhood Daily Energy Expenditure Does Not Decrease with Market Integration and Is Not Related to Adiposity in Amazonia, The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 151, Issue 3, March 2021, Pages 695–704.

If you liked this article, be sure to check out our Nourish Masterclass, recipes, and sign up for our Nourish live events!

New Research: Healthy Weight in Children Due More to Food Than Exercise

Directions

Ingredients

Close
Theme icon

Podcast /

Content /

Nourish

New Research: Healthy Weight in Children Due More to Food Than Exercise

Diet makes way more of a difference to children’s weight than exercise

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

June 3, 2021

Join The Family Thrive community and download the mobile app, all for free!

JOIN TODAY

Key takeaways

1

2

3

Printer-friendly
Print
Printer-friendly

Font size

Low hassle, high nutrition

Fierce Food: Easy

Fierce Food: Easy

50/50 mixes of powerful veggies and starchy favorites

Fierce Food: Balance

Fierce Food: Balance

Maximize nutrients, minimize sugar and starch

Fierce Food: Power

Fierce Food: Power

Ingredients

Kitchen Equipment

Ingredient Replacement

View replacement list (PDF)

for Subscribers

ListenRead the article

for Subscribers

Learn more

More details

for Subscribers

ListenRead the article

for Subscribers

Learn more

More details

for Subscribers

ListenRead the article

for Subscribers

Learn more

More details

for Subscribers

ListenRead the article

for Subscribers

Learn more

for Subscribers

More details

for Subscribers

ListenRead the article

for Subscribers

Learn more

More details

Reading time:

3 Minutes


What kind of study was this?

This was a cross-sectional observational study which means that researchers did not administer any treatment nor did they follow participants over time. They took measurements at one time point and compared the measures between different groups of study participants.

What did researchers want to know?

They already knew that children in Peru who live in rural environments without processed food and electronics have healthier weight on average than children who live in urban environments. With this study, they wanted to know if these differences are due to diet, exercise, or a combination of diet and exercise.  

What did the researchers actually do?

They compared the weight and diets of children of the same ethnic background and same country—the Shuar in Peru—but live in very different environments. So, they took measurements of a group of Shuar children who live in a rural environment and Shuar children who live in a more urban environment. The measurements included body fat percentage, metabolism speed, immune system strength, diet, and physical activity.

What did the researchers find?

They found that the urban children on average had more body fat, slower metabolism, and weaker immune systems. Unsurprisingly, the urban children also ate way more processed foods. But one thing that wasn’t different between the rural and urban children? Physical activity levels.

What does this mean for parents and kids?

Physical activity is important for all human beings, regardless of age. But this study supports many others (nicely reviewed HERE) that show diet is way more important than exercise for reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. If you’re concerned about your child’s weight, focus on diet over exercise.

Original article: Urlacher, S., et al. Childhood Daily Energy Expenditure Does Not Decrease with Market Integration and Is Not Related to Adiposity in Amazonia, The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 151, Issue 3, March 2021, Pages 695–704.

If you liked this article, be sure to check out our Nourish Masterclass, recipes, and sign up for our Nourish live events!


What kind of study was this?

This was a cross-sectional observational study which means that researchers did not administer any treatment nor did they follow participants over time. They took measurements at one time point and compared the measures between different groups of study participants.

What did researchers want to know?

They already knew that children in Peru who live in rural environments without processed food and electronics have healthier weight on average than children who live in urban environments. With this study, they wanted to know if these differences are due to diet, exercise, or a combination of diet and exercise.  

What did the researchers actually do?

They compared the weight and diets of children of the same ethnic background and same country—the Shuar in Peru—but live in very different environments. So, they took measurements of a group of Shuar children who live in a rural environment and Shuar children who live in a more urban environment. The measurements included body fat percentage, metabolism speed, immune system strength, diet, and physical activity.

What did the researchers find?

They found that the urban children on average had more body fat, slower metabolism, and weaker immune systems. Unsurprisingly, the urban children also ate way more processed foods. But one thing that wasn’t different between the rural and urban children? Physical activity levels.

What does this mean for parents and kids?

Physical activity is important for all human beings, regardless of age. But this study supports many others (nicely reviewed HERE) that show diet is way more important than exercise for reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. If you’re concerned about your child’s weight, focus on diet over exercise.

Original article: Urlacher, S., et al. Childhood Daily Energy Expenditure Does Not Decrease with Market Integration and Is Not Related to Adiposity in Amazonia, The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 151, Issue 3, March 2021, Pages 695–704.

If you liked this article, be sure to check out our Nourish Masterclass, recipes, and sign up for our Nourish live events!


What kind of study was this?

This was a cross-sectional observational study which means that researchers did not administer any treatment nor did they follow participants over time. They took measurements at one time point and compared the measures between different groups of study participants.

What did researchers want to know?

They already knew that children in Peru who live in rural environments without processed food and electronics have healthier weight on average than children who live in urban environments. With this study, they wanted to know if these differences are due to diet, exercise, or a combination of diet and exercise.  

What did the researchers actually do?

They compared the weight and diets of children of the same ethnic background and same country—the Shuar in Peru—but live in very different environments. So, they took measurements of a group of Shuar children who live in a rural environment and Shuar children who live in a more urban environment. The measurements included body fat percentage, metabolism speed, immune system strength, diet, and physical activity.

What did the researchers find?

They found that the urban children on average had more body fat, slower metabolism, and weaker immune systems. Unsurprisingly, the urban children also ate way more processed foods. But one thing that wasn’t different between the rural and urban children? Physical activity levels.

What does this mean for parents and kids?

Physical activity is important for all human beings, regardless of age. But this study supports many others (nicely reviewed HERE) that show diet is way more important than exercise for reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. If you’re concerned about your child’s weight, focus on diet over exercise.

Original article: Urlacher, S., et al. Childhood Daily Energy Expenditure Does Not Decrease with Market Integration and Is Not Related to Adiposity in Amazonia, The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 151, Issue 3, March 2021, Pages 695–704.

If you liked this article, be sure to check out our Nourish Masterclass, recipes, and sign up for our Nourish live events!

Enjoying this? Subscribe to The Family Thrive for more healthy recipes, video classes, and more.

for Subscribers

ListenRead the article

for Subscribers

Learn more

More details

for Subscribers

ListenRead the article

for Subscribers

Learn more

More details

for Subscribers

ListenRead the article

for Subscribers

Learn more

More details

for Subscribers

ListenRead the article

for Subscribers

Learn more

More details

for Subscribers

ListenRead the article

for Subscribers

Learn more

More details

Discover Nourish

See more
New Research: Healthy Weight in Children Due More to Food Than Exercise

Podcast

Condimentum eu tortor bibendum.

By

Jackie Kovic

New Research: Healthy Weight in Children Due More to Food Than Exercise

Podcast

Condimentum eu tortor bibendum.

By

Jackie Kovic

Podcast

Condimentum eu tortor bibendum.

By

Jackie Kovic

Pumpkin Protein Smoothie

Podcast

Pumpkin Protein Smoothie

By

Chef Andrew Johnson

Delicata Squash Tacos

Podcast

Delicata Squash Tacos

By

Chef Andrew Johnson

Lemon Zucchini Bread

Podcast

Lemon Zucchini Bread

By

Chef Andrew Johnson

Thai-Style Curried Pumpkin Soup

Podcast

Thai-Style Curried Pumpkin Soup

By

Chef Andrew Johnson

Podcast Ep. 21: Thriving Through the Teen Years with Jena Curtis, EdD, and Vanessa Baker, Parent-Teen Relationship Coach

Podcast

Podcast Ep. 21: Thriving Through the Teen Years with Jena Curtis, EdD, and Vanessa Baker, Parent-Teen Relationship Coach

By

The Family Thrive Podcast

Parenting Is the Spiritual Practice the World Needs Right Now

Podcast

Parenting Is the Spiritual Practice the World Needs Right Now

By

Justin Wilford, PhD

New Research: One science-backed trick for parents to build stronger muscles

Podcast

New Research: One science-backed trick for parents to build stronger muscles

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

New Research: Parent intimacy may reduce adolescent depression

Podcast

New Research: Parent intimacy may reduce adolescent depression

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

New Research: High-carb meals activate brain areas associated with addiction and hunger

Podcast

New Research: High-carb meals activate brain areas associated with addiction and hunger

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

New Research Tuesday: One More Reason to Avoid Pop Tarts, Cheez-Its, and Other Processed Snacks

Podcast

New Research Tuesday: One More Reason to Avoid Pop Tarts, Cheez-Its, and Other Processed Snacks

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Pumpkin Protein Smoothie

Recipes

Pumpkin Protein Smoothie

By

Chef Andrew Johnson

Delicata Squash Tacos

Recipes

Delicata Squash Tacos

By

Chef Andrew Johnson

Lemon Zucchini Bread

Recipes

Lemon Zucchini Bread

By

Chef Andrew Johnson

Thai-Style Curried Pumpkin Soup

Recipes

Thai-Style Curried Pumpkin Soup

By

Chef Andrew Johnson

Podcast Ep. 21: Thriving Through the Teen Years with Jena Curtis, EdD, and Vanessa Baker, Parent-Teen Relationship Coach

Podcasts

Podcast Ep. 21: Thriving Through the Teen Years with Jena Curtis, EdD, and Vanessa Baker, Parent-Teen Relationship Coach

By

The Family Thrive Podcast

Parenting Is the Spiritual Practice the World Needs Right Now

Pro Perspective

Parenting Is the Spiritual Practice the World Needs Right Now

By

Justin Wilford, PhD

New Research: One science-backed trick for parents to build stronger muscles

New Research Tuesday

New Research: One science-backed trick for parents to build stronger muscles

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

New Research: Parent intimacy may reduce adolescent depression

New Research Tuesday

New Research: Parent intimacy may reduce adolescent depression

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

New Research: High-carb meals activate brain areas associated with addiction and hunger

New Research Tuesday

New Research: High-carb meals activate brain areas associated with addiction and hunger

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

New Research Tuesday: One More Reason to Avoid Pop Tarts, Cheez-Its, and Other Processed Snacks

New Research Tuesday

New Research Tuesday: One More Reason to Avoid Pop Tarts, Cheez-Its, and Other Processed Snacks

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Subscribe to get all the goods

Continue the conversation with other families and our wellness experts on our social platform.

Join the app for free

More Nourish content

Embody
/
Flourish
/
Connect
Level Up Your Parent Communication Skills #3: Getting Present in the Body

Podcast

Level Up Your Parent Communication Skills #3: Getting Present in the Body

By

Alicia Wuth, PsyD and Justin Wilford, PhD

5 Research-Backed Practices For Feeling More Positive Emotions

Podcast

5 Research-Backed Practices For Feeling More Positive Emotions

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Meet The Family Thrive Experts: Alexia Hall, RDN

Podcast

Meet The Family Thrive Experts: Alexia Hall, RDN

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

New Research: A Whole Food Diet Leads to Better Health Through Good Gut Bacteria

Podcast

New Research: A Whole Food Diet Leads to Better Health Through Good Gut Bacteria

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

One Big Idea: The OPEN Method

Podcast

One Big Idea: The OPEN Method

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Cauliflower Picnic Salad

Podcast

Cauliflower Picnic Salad

By

Chef Catherine McKnight

Podcast Ep. 2: Embracing Our Pain, Our Sensitivities, and Our Inner Critic With Jenny Walters, LMFT

Podcast

Podcast Ep. 2: Embracing Our Pain, Our Sensitivities, and Our Inner Critic With Jenny Walters, LMFT

By

The Family Thrive Podcast

Podcast Ep. 16: Become a Better Parent by Mastering Your Emotions with Alexandra Tataryn, Bio-Emotive Coach

Podcast

Podcast Ep. 16: Become a Better Parent by Mastering Your Emotions with Alexandra Tataryn, Bio-Emotive Coach

By

The Family Thrive Podcast

New Research: How the Moon Controls Our Sleep

Podcast

New Research: How the Moon Controls Our Sleep

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

How I Make Sure I'm the Best Parent Researcher I Can Be

Podcast

How I Make Sure I'm the Best Parent Researcher I Can Be

By

Justin Wilford, PhD

More Embody content

Nourish
/
Flourish
/
Connect
Doctor Dad: Why I’m Committed to My Family’s Dinner Time

Podcast

Doctor Dad: Why I’m Committed to My Family’s Dinner Time

By

Colin Champ, MD

Pod Wisdom: The Health and Wellness Benefits of Sage

Podcast

Pod Wisdom: The Health and Wellness Benefits of Sage

By

The Family Thrive Podcast

Podcast Ep. 16: Become a Better Parent by Mastering Your Emotions with Alexandra Tataryn, Bio-Emotive Coach

Podcast

Podcast Ep. 16: Become a Better Parent by Mastering Your Emotions with Alexandra Tataryn, Bio-Emotive Coach

By

The Family Thrive Podcast

How I Make Sure I'm the Best Parent Researcher I Can Be

Podcast

How I Make Sure I'm the Best Parent Researcher I Can Be

By

Justin Wilford, PhD

5 Things Every Parent Can Do To Ward Off "Parent Brain"

Podcast

5 Things Every Parent Can Do To Ward Off "Parent Brain"

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

New Research: Exercise Helps Build a Sense of Purpose in Life

Podcast

New Research: Exercise Helps Build a Sense of Purpose in Life

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

New Research: One science-backed trick for parents to build stronger muscles

Podcast

New Research: One science-backed trick for parents to build stronger muscles

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Pod Wisdom: Three Ways to Boost Your Family’s Metabolic Health

Podcast

Pod Wisdom: Three Ways to Boost Your Family’s Metabolic Health

By

The Family Thrive Podcast

Meet The Family Thrive Experts: Maria Barrera, LAc

Podcast

Meet The Family Thrive Experts: Maria Barrera, LAc

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Meet The Family Thrive Experts: Jena Curtis, EdD

Podcast

Meet The Family Thrive Experts: Jena Curtis, EdD

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

More Flourish content

Nourish
/
Embody
/
Connect
Parenting Is the Spiritual Practice the World Needs Right Now

Podcast

Parenting Is the Spiritual Practice the World Needs Right Now

By

Justin Wilford, PhD

One Big Idea: Self-Reparenting

Podcast

One Big Idea: Self-Reparenting

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

One Big Idea: Shadow Values

Podcast

One Big Idea: Shadow Values

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Podcast Ep. 7: Growing up between cultures, healing trauma, and cultivating self-compassion with Nadia Torres-Eaton, PsyD

Podcast

Podcast Ep. 7: Growing up between cultures, healing trauma, and cultivating self-compassion with Nadia Torres-Eaton, PsyD

By

The Family Thrive Podcast

Meet The Family Thrive Experts: Alicia Samaniego Wuth, PsyD

Podcast

Meet The Family Thrive Experts: Alicia Samaniego Wuth, PsyD

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

New Research: Parent intimacy may reduce adolescent depression

Podcast

New Research: Parent intimacy may reduce adolescent depression

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Podcast Ep. 2: Embracing Our Pain, Our Sensitivities, and Our Inner Critic With Jenny Walters, LMFT

Podcast

Podcast Ep. 2: Embracing Our Pain, Our Sensitivities, and Our Inner Critic With Jenny Walters, LMFT

By

The Family Thrive Podcast

Give This a Try: Gratitude Lists

Podcast

Give This a Try: Gratitude Lists

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Why This Pediatric Dietitian Is Praising Chrissy Teigen’s Stigma-Busting Tweets

Podcast

Why This Pediatric Dietitian Is Praising Chrissy Teigen’s Stigma-Busting Tweets

By

Tiffani Ghere, Pediatric Dietician, Certified Lactation Educator

Podcast Ep. 15: Healing Depression, Anxiety, and Shame in New Mothers With Bridget Cross, LCSW, PMH-C

Podcast

Podcast Ep. 15: Healing Depression, Anxiety, and Shame in New Mothers With Bridget Cross, LCSW, PMH-C

By

The Family Thrive Podcast

More Connect content

Nourish
/
Embody
/
Flourish
Level Up Your Parent Communication Skills #1: Slowing Down When Things Heat Up

Podcast

Level Up Your Parent Communication Skills #1: Slowing Down When Things Heat Up

By

Alicia Wuth, PsyD and Justin Wilford, PhD

Cheat Sheet: Gender and Sexuality 101 from Professor Jena Curtis

Podcast

Cheat Sheet: Gender and Sexuality 101 from Professor Jena Curtis

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Meet a Thrive Expert: Justin Wilford, PhD

Podcast

Meet a Thrive Expert: Justin Wilford, PhD

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

How to Say No (Not to Your Kids, But to Your Family)

Podcast

How to Say No (Not to Your Kids, But to Your Family)

By

Jenny Walters, LMFT

Podcast Ep. 21: Thriving Through the Teen Years with Jena Curtis, EdD, and Vanessa Baker, Parent-Teen Relationship Coach

Podcast

Podcast Ep. 21: Thriving Through the Teen Years with Jena Curtis, EdD, and Vanessa Baker, Parent-Teen Relationship Coach

By

The Family Thrive Podcast

New Research: Different Types of Media Use Is Linked to Suicide Risk for Teenage Girls and Boys

Podcast

New Research: Different Types of Media Use Is Linked to Suicide Risk for Teenage Girls and Boys

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

5 Steps to Saying Sorry as a Parent and Really Meaning It

Podcast

5 Steps to Saying Sorry as a Parent and Really Meaning It

By

The Family Thrive Expert Team

Level Up Your Parent Communication Skills #3: Getting Present in the Body

Podcast

Level Up Your Parent Communication Skills #3: Getting Present in the Body

By

Alicia Wuth, PsyD and Justin Wilford, PhD

Pod Wisdom: What Criticizing Your Kids and Partner Can Tell You About Yourself

Podcast

Pod Wisdom: What Criticizing Your Kids and Partner Can Tell You About Yourself

By

The Family Thrive Podcast

Bonus Podcast AMA with Jena Curtis, EdD: How to Talk About Sex with Your Kids

Podcast

Bonus Podcast AMA with Jena Curtis, EdD: How to Talk About Sex with Your Kids

By

The Family Thrive Podcast

Join for free
Login
Join the app today
AboutFAQContact
Join the app today
Type
Recipes
WorkshopsOur CommunityThe Magazine
AboutFAQContact
Submission Guidelines  Terms and Conditions   Privacy policy  Copyright © 2021,The Family Thrive. All rights reserved. Designed with love by Good Kind