Globe and Mail et al.: Buddy system helps kids burn calories

The Globe and Mail ran an article about the research of Jonathan McGavock, in the Faculty of Medicine’s department of pediatrics and child health. Other media outlets also reported in his findings, including CTV, Huffington Post, Fox News and the Winnipeg Free Press.

As the article begins:

Elementary school children who took part in a healthy living program with older peers reduced their waist sizes and showed improvements in self-esteem, according to a new Canadian study.

In the so-called Healthy Buddies program, students learn about healthy foods, physical activity and positive body image from older kids, rather than adult teachers or coaches. Researchers say the program could potentially reduce rates of childhood obesity.