A comprehensive review funded by the UK Medical Research Council has found that a disadvantaged childhood can place adults at risk of not doing enough sports and exercise.
The new research, published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, was the first to systematically review all available evidence to determine if socioeconomic circumstances in early life influences adult's physical activity.
Researchers found that adults who were lower down the socioeconomic hierarchy during childhood, e.g. with parents in manual occupations or with less educational attainment, were less likely to take part in sports and exercise later in life when compared with adults from more advantaged childhood backgrounds.
