Here’s a tip from TRICARE.mil on fighting childhood obesity. This week is National Youth Sports Week.

Millions of children participate in youth sports each year. National Youth Sports Week is observed the second week of July and it’s a great time to actively promote sports involvement for children.

Sports are not only fun and teach children about teamwork, but they are a big help in the fight against obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than nine million American children between the ages of 6 and 19 are overweight. Obesity can lead to a long list of future health concerns, including diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, asthma, depression and orthopedic conditions.

There are two main factors contributing to obesity: nutrition and physical activity. If children (or adults) consume more calories than they are burning, there is a good chance they will gain weight. Decreasing calorie consumption and increasing physical activity to burn more calories than consumed is the simple “recipe” for weight loss.

Sports participation is a great way for kids to exercise. Consistent, daily physical activity is helpful in weight loss and the prevention of weight gain or regain.