Irish 15 and 16 year olds are already showing signs of heart disease due to poor fitness.
The research from Dublin City University also found that these teenagers were more likely to be overweight, have higher blood pressure and cholesterol than fitter teens.
Juliette Gash reports;
Aviva Schools Fitness Challenge is now open to secondary school students from First to Fourth year. Closing date is Saturday January 17th.
Irish International striker Stephanie Roche said she was 'thrilled to be involved in this year's challenge. She added that it's 'a fun way to get healthy' and that she hopes even more students get involved this year.
Last year, more than 13,000 students from 26 counties successfully completed the challenge.
Reporter Juliette Gash spoke to Stephanie Roche about the upcoming Puskas awards in Zurich on Monday Januray 12th;
