Dancing can help reduce obesity and risk of diabetes

A new study by scientists in the United States has revealed that dancing can help reduce obesity and therefore lower the chances of the onset of type 2 diabetes, and is encouraging children around the world to dance for health. As obesity is known as one of the main factors for the development of type 2 diabetes, the study recommends keeping your weight down through physical exercise such as dancing as a way of helping to reduce the risk of diabetes.
The research involved children doing hip hop dancing on a wooden gym floor for one hour each week for a month, with the researchers using pedometers to measure the amount of steps taken.
It was shown that the children averaged twice as many steps on the days that they danced, as well as having elevated resting heart rates after the dance exercise was finished, which indicated that the children were not that physically fit.
Dr. Terri Lipma, from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, pointed out that “Dancing is not only free, culturally relevant, and fun.”
She added “It is also an easily accessible way for children to lead a more active lifestyle.”