Bart beats Homer in fitness test
Challenged to a quick fitness test, Bart Simpson would beat his father Homer hands down, according to research by the Institute of Physics.
The results form part of an investigation into school children’s activity levels by the IoP’s Young Scientist magazine. Children will record their activities and measure their pulse rates, generating data for the British Heart Foundation. The charity has sponsored the project, and wants to compare children’s actual activity to the recommended 60 minutes exercise per day.
Researchers watched videos of the cartoon and recorded details of Bart and Homer’s diet and activity to calculate their fitness and health.
Homer eats far too much saturated fat – largely in the form of junk food, most notably donuts. His sedentary lifestyle and penchant for TV starkly contrasts with Bart’s skateboarding, cycling and walking to school. Bart’s diet is far healthier, though a little heavy on the saturated fats.
Young Scientist is advising children to cut down on junk food, and eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Exercise is also important, and Bart is doing well spending two hours every day in various active pursuits. Homer is advised to partake in 30 minutes of physical exercise five times per week.
Children’s resource manager at the BHF Deborah Allen warns that unless radical action is taken, Homer is at risk of serious illness: ‘Because Homer carries a lot of fat in his abdominal area, he is at risk greater risk of developing coronary heart disease and diabetes.’
Bart is in better shape, thanks to Marge’s diligence in feeding her son, but Ms Allen warns he spends too much time in front of the TV.
Long-time Simpsons fan and president of the Institute of Physics, Professor David Wallace has said the ‘aim of this investigation is to show children how important it is to look after your heart, and how much fun it can be to exercise.’
