Doctors should be encouraging women to put on their ladies fitness wear and play sport over going to the gym, according to Channel 4's Embarrassing Bodies' Dr Christian Jessen.

The benefits of donning ladies sportswear and playing sport go far beyond simple weight loss, Dr Jessen wrote in the London Evening Standard.

He explained that women who play sports make more academic achievements and have a better memory and improved concentration.

Playing sport in groups encourages teamwork, the skills developed on the playing field can then be adapted and used in a work situation that requires working as part of a team, said Dr Jessen.

He stressed that exercise is important as it not only improves fitness and helps to maintain a healthy weight, but it can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer and osteoporosis.

The NHS said that, with preparations for the London 2012 Olympic Games in full swing, now is a good and exciting time for women to get involved in sport and fitness. ADNFCR-2569-ID-19456833-ADNFCR

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