A major review of 47 scientific studies found that children who are better at basic movement skills—like running, jumping, and throwing—tend to have healthier weights. Researchers combined data from 19 studies and discovered a clear connection: kids with stronger movement abilities had lower body weights than kids who struggled with these skills. The stronger a child’s movement abilities, the lower their risk of becoming overweight. While this research is exciting, scientists say we need more long-term studies to fully understand how improving movement skills could help prevent weight problems in children.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether children who are good at basic physical movements (like running, jumping, catching, and throwing) are less likely to become overweight or obese
- Who participated: Analysis of 47 different research studies involving children ages 3-12 years old from around the world, with 19 studies included in the detailed statistical analysis
- Key finding: Children with better movement skills had noticeably lower body weights. The relationship was moderate and consistent across studies—kids who were good at movement skills were significantly less likely to be overweight than kids who struggled with these skills
- What it means for you: Encouraging children to develop basic movement skills through play and physical activity may help prevent weight problems. However, this doesn’t mean movement skills alone cause weight differences—many factors affect children’s health. Talk to your pediatrician about age-appropriate activities for your child
The Research Details
This was a systematic review and meta-analysis, which means researchers searched through scientific databases for all studies published between 2013 and 2025 that looked at the connection between children’s movement skills and weight. They found 47 relevant studies and then combined the data from 19 of the strongest studies to look for patterns.
The researchers looked specifically at two types of movement skills: locomotor skills (like running, jumping, and hopping) and object control skills (like throwing, catching, and kicking). They measured how these skills related to children’s body mass index (BMI), which is a common way to measure if someone is at a healthy weight.
By combining results from multiple studies, the researchers could see if the pattern was consistent across different groups of children and different research methods. This approach is stronger than looking at just one study because it shows whether findings repeat across many different research projects.
This research approach is important because it shows a pattern across many different studies rather than relying on just one experiment. When multiple studies from different countries and researchers all show similar results, it gives us more confidence that the connection is real. However, combining studies also helps identify what we still don’t know—in this case, whether improving movement skills actually prevents weight gain over time
This meta-analysis followed strict scientific standards (PRISMA guidelines) for how to search for and combine studies. The researchers were transparent about which studies they included and why. The findings were statistically significant, meaning the pattern was unlikely to happen by chance. However, the studies reviewed were mostly cross-sectional (snapshot in time) rather than longitudinal (following children over years), which limits what we can conclude about cause and effect
What the Results Show
The analysis found a moderate negative correlation between overall movement skills and BMI (r = -0.314), meaning children with better movement abilities tended to have lower body weights. This relationship was consistent and statistically significant, with very high confidence (p < 0.001).
When researchers looked at specific types of movement skills, they found that locomotor skills (running, jumping, hopping) showed a small-to-moderate correlation with weight (r = -0.270), while object control skills (throwing, catching, kicking) showed a smaller but still meaningful correlation (r = -0.162). Both relationships were statistically significant.
Across all the studies reviewed, children with normal weight consistently performed better on movement skill tests than children with obesity. This pattern held true regardless of the child’s age, gender, or country where the study took place.
The research suggests that children who struggle with basic movement skills may be at higher risk for developing obesity, though the studies reviewed couldn’t definitively prove that poor movement skills cause weight gain.
The analysis found that the relationship between movement skills and weight was consistent across different age groups within the 3-12 year range, suggesting this connection matters throughout childhood. The pattern also appeared similar in studies from different countries, indicating this isn’t just a problem in one region. Some studies suggested that children who are overweight or obese may avoid physical activity because movement is harder for them, which could create a cycle where poor skills lead to less activity, which leads to more weight gain
This research builds on earlier studies that suggested movement skills and physical fitness are connected to children’s weight. This meta-analysis is more comprehensive than previous reviews because it includes more recent studies (through 2025) and uses statistical methods to combine results from multiple studies. The findings support what many experts have suspected: that helping children develop movement skills might be an important part of preventing childhood obesity
Most of the studies reviewed were cross-sectional, meaning they took a snapshot at one point in time rather than following children over months or years. This means we can’t be sure whether poor movement skills cause weight gain, or whether being overweight makes movement harder, or if both are caused by something else entirely. The studies also varied in how they measured movement skills and weight, which can affect how well results combine. Additionally, the analysis couldn’t determine whether improving movement skills would actually prevent weight gain in children—that would require intervention studies where some children practice movement skills and others don’t
The Bottom Line
Encourage children to participate in regular physical activity and movement-based play (moderate confidence). Focus on activities that develop basic movement skills like running, jumping, throwing, and catching through sports, dance, or unstructured play. Aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily as recommended by health organizations. However, movement skills alone aren’t a complete solution—healthy eating, sleep, and screen time limits also matter for preventing childhood obesity
Parents and caregivers should care about this research because it suggests that helping children develop movement skills is one piece of the obesity prevention puzzle. Teachers and coaches can use this information to prioritize movement skill development in physical education. Healthcare providers can discuss movement opportunities with families. Children who are overweight or obese may especially benefit from supportive, non-judgmental opportunities to develop movement skills. This research is less relevant for children with significant physical disabilities that affect movement, though adapted activities may still be beneficial
Developing better movement skills takes time—expect to see noticeable improvements in coordination and confidence over weeks to months of regular practice. However, this research doesn’t tell us how long it takes for better movement skills to affect weight. Changes in body weight typically take months to become apparent. The most important thing is making movement enjoyable so children stick with it long-term
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly movement skill practice sessions (e.g., ‘practiced jumping 3 times this week’) and note which skills your child is working on. Record observations about your child’s confidence and enjoyment during movement activities rather than focusing solely on weight
- Use the app to set weekly movement goals for your child, such as ‘practice throwing and catching 2 times this week’ or ’try a new movement activity.’ Create a fun checklist of basic movement skills to practice and celebrate progress as your child masters each one
- Monitor your child’s participation in movement activities over time rather than obsessing over weight. Track which activities your child enjoys most and use that information to keep them engaged. Note improvements in skill performance, confidence, and willingness to try new activities. Share progress with your pediatrician at regular check-ups
This research shows a relationship between movement skills and weight in children, but it does not prove that improving movement skills will prevent obesity. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace advice from your child’s pediatrician or healthcare provider. Before starting any new exercise program, especially for children with existing health conditions, consult with a qualified healthcare professional. Weight management in children is complex and involves many factors including genetics, nutrition, sleep, and overall lifestyle—not movement skills alone. If you have concerns about your child’s weight or development, speak with your pediatrician
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.