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Very few girls play sports or exercise after school years, and the numbers dwindle further with age.

Obesity in women has real consequences but does not receive much attention.

A few years ago, western health authorities were forced to run public health ads to counter the popular notion that heart disease affects only men.

Unfortunately, obesity is also a risk factor for diabetes, hypertension, stroke, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, urinary stress incontinence, osteoarthritis, low back pain and infertility in women.

Even the offspring of obese women suffer health problems.

Nerve tube defects, spina bifida, non-neural tube defects of the central nervous system, great vessel defects, ventral wall defects, other intestinal defects and weight problems in children are associated with obesity in mothers.

Encouraging the habit of exercise in girls and women will help prevent the problems described above.

Exercise in women has other benefits too. Sports and exercise develop character, and studies show they develop social skills, determination and problem-solving abilities.

Adolescent girls frequently suffer angst about body image. Regular participation in sports and exercise improves body image and self esteem and boosts self-confidence. Exercise relieves stress and also decreases the risk of depression.

Weigh training improves bone density and decreases the risk of osteoporosis after menopause.

Parents often discourage participation in sports because they feel it affects scholastic performance.

However, research suggests that physically active students have better problem-solving skills, and they are less likely to drop out.

Even women with health problems like arthritis will benefit from regular, tailored exercise.

Exercise, especially weight training, reduces pain, strengthens the muscles around affected joints, improves mobility and fosters independence.

Although weight training has greatest effects on bone density when begun in youth, even post-menopausal women benefit from weight training.

All women should exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. Housework may be tiring and draining, but it does not confer the cardiovascular conditioning benefits of regular exercise. Even hardworking homemakers must find the time for a walk every day.

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