New research from Kent State University demonstrates that social exclusion results in decreased physical activity among children. The study is called, “The Effect of Stimulated Ostracism on Physical Activity Behavior in Children,” and it appears in the March 2012 issue of Pediatrics.

In the study, children first played an online game. In half the instances of the game, the children were excluded from play. After playing online, they were allowed to choose a sedentary or physical activity while researchers analyzed data. In instances where children were deliberately left out of the online game, research showed they were more likely to choose a sedentary activity than the children who were not excluded from the online game.

The findings are a bit concerning and point to what could turn into a negative cycle for kids who are already overweight: if they are already excluded for being overweight, they may exercise less, causing them to remain overweight.

One way to break this cycle is a summer weight loss camp. Kids and teens who are overweight will find fun ways to exercise, and, perhaps more importantly, accepting friends who are working toward a common goal.