April 14, 2008 Research: Girls not getting enough exercise Play video

(NECN/ABC) - More young women than ever before are participating in sports in the United States.

But, new research shows that many girls may still not be getting enough exercise.

Research shows that they are less likely to do physical activities than boys and more likely to drop out.

This has researchers from the University of Minnesota worried.

Athletic activity gives young women benefits including higher self-esteem, more social opportunities, and even better academics, in addition to helping them stay physically fit.

So why the decline?

Researchers point to a number of reasons. Poor body image, coaches not receiving enough training, and the media sexualizing female athletes are a few of the reasons they give.

Also, as with boys who don't excel at sports, girls who don't perform well at first may be ignored by coaches in favor of better athletes.

Some of the researchers' solutions: address body image issues in elementary school, and set licensing standards for gym teachers and youth coaches.

By fostering a better climate, they hope that girls will feel better about themselves and their abilities.

ABC's Dr. Timothy Johnson has more in this Medical Minute.