It's a Question of Health Three out of every five children and youth aged 5-17 are not active enough for optimal growth and development. Young people who are physically active are far less likely to use tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs.
Physical inactivity is a major independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
In comparison to women who did not participate in physical activity programs, women who participated in the programs reported higher levels of self-esteem and improved physical health. They also reported significantly lower levels of depression, stress, disturbed sleep, and loneliness. Girls with low self-esteem are more likely to drop out of sports or physical activity, take up smoking at a young age, and are more susceptible to peer pressure surrounding drugs and alcohol. As a result, girls' physical activity skill levels constantly fall further behind their male peers'. Therefore, girls may select only activities that are traditionally female, or worse, be turned off physical activity altogether.