Women less active than male counterparts

New study says females are less active than the opposite sex

Females do less exercise at either end of their lifetime than their male counterparts, according to two new studies. School children and women in their 70s were both analysed by researchers and in both instances males were inclined to be more active. Researchers at Liverpool John Moores University examined the behaviour of 10 and 11-year-old children in the playground and discovered that boys play differently to girls.

While girls pass the time in smaller groups, playing verbal games and socialising, boys form larger groups and play more active games. Lead researcher Dr Nicky Ridgers commented on the findings saying: 'It is a concern that girls' activity levels are lower than boys and, although it is just one piece in a complex picture, this could be contributing to girls being overweight and obese.'

The second study at the University of Bristol again proved the theory that women are less active in older generations too. Among the over-70 age group, levels of physical activity in women were very low. Over 70% of those who took part in the study walked less than 5,000 steps a day.

Researcher Professor Ken Fox said: 'Men accomplish more higher intensity physical activity than women and this seems to be explained by trips out of the house.'

Professor Adrian Taylor of Exeter University commented: 'Society and our environment are leading us to do increasingly less physical activity with adverse health consequences such as heart disease, diabetes and mental health problems for people of all ages.'

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