Last week we shared a Washington Post article on a report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) on physical activity and education in schools. The report recommends an increase in gym time for students – at least 60 minutes per day.

A new study recently published in the Journal of Health Economics also supports the IOM’s recommendations. The researchers found that an additional 60 minutes per week of physical activity reduces the likelihood of a fifth grader becoming obese. Additionally, the researchers found no evidence that more gym time would harm academic performance.

Our member companies understand that schools are special places, where, in addition to academics, nutrition and healthy lifestyles are taught.  Through our national School Beverage Guidelines, we cut calories available from beverages in schools by 90 percent. Please visit DeliveringChoices.org to learn more about our industry’s initiatives.