Researchers at Vanderbilt University tracked the physical activity of 81 kids for 3 hours a day for three months. Their findings show kids appear to adjust their activity levels to match those they are closest with.
The study's authors say their findings raise the possibly that heavier kids who are at-risk for obesity can be influenced by more active peers into increased physical exertion while playing.
The study appears in the June edition of the journal Pediatrics.
