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Physical education helps kids lose weight and improve grades

More specialised physical education for children in primary school not only reduces their risk of obesity but can improve academic performance.

A four-year study by Professor Dick Telford from the Australian National University compared children who participated in traditional sport activities with those who received specialist education in coordination, agility, balance and yoga-like exercises, with less focus on competitive activities.

It found that pupils with the specialised training improved their NAPLAN scores by 10 points more than those who participated in sports only. They also lost on average 0.25kg of body fat over two years.

Read more at Australian National University

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