What role does physical activity play in adolescent health, and what is the recommended duration?

What role does physical activity play in adolescent health, and what is the recommended duration?

• A. It helps maintain a healthy weight; 60 minutes of physical activity per day is recommended.
• B. It has minimal effect on health; 5 minutes daily is enough.
• C. It only improves mood, not weight.
• D. It should be done only on weekends.

Answer: (A)

Regular physical activity plays a central role in adolescent health by supporting healthy weight, cardiovascular fitness, bone strength, and mental well-being. When teens are active most days, energy balance helps prevent excess weight gain, muscles and bones become stronger, and mood, sleep, and concentration improve. The recommended duration is about 60 minutes per day, with a mix of aerobic activity and some muscle- and bone-strengthening exercises, done on most days of the week. Shorter, isolated bouts add up to this total, but a tiny daily amount (like a few minutes) won’t meet guidelines, and activity shouldn’t be saved only for weekends.

Regular physical activity plays a central role in adolescent health by supporting healthy weight, cardiovascular fitness, bone strength, and mental well-being. When teens are active most days, energy balance helps prevent excess weight gain, muscles and bones become stronger, and mood, sleep, and concentration improve. The recommended duration is about 60 minutes per day, with a mix of aerobic activity and some muscle- and bone-strengthening exercises, done on most days of the week. Shorter, isolated bouts add up to this total, but a tiny daily amount (like a few minutes) won’t meet guidelines, and activity shouldn’t be saved only for weekends.