High Schoolers Motivated To Lose Weight Engage In Counterproductive Behaviors

A study that analyzed survey data on 44,000 Philadelphia high school students found that about 75 percent are trying to lose weight, but their behaviors – playing video games, drinking sugary sodas, not exercising, etc. – tended to be counterproductive. Girls trying to lose weight were more likely to do 60 minutes or more of physical activity a day. But they also tended to drink regular sodas daily. Boys trying to lose weight were more likely to do no physical activity, and averaged more than three hours of video games a day. The researchers suggested that teenagers motivated to lose weight may simply not know that their actions are actually a hindrance than a help.