A Study On Physical Activity And Diet

Becoming increasingly more active is vital to combating and reducing obesity in children. Healthful, fitness habits, then, must be jumpstarted at institutions where all American children spend mandatory time, such as in a child’s school; evidently, “normal weight children get 16 more minutes of

Healthy People implemented an extensive list of physical activity objectives targeting youth of all ages. The objectives are all aimed at promoting the health benefits of maintaining a physically active life-style. The following objective targets a major area of concern for the medical community and the increase of inactivity among today's youth; “PA-8.2.2; Increase the proportion of children and adolescents aged 6 to 14 years who view television, videos, or play video games for no more than 2 hours a

Today’s generation of children is the most inactive and obese in all of U.S. history (Loonin, 54). Poor exercise habits are developed as early as preschool age (All children above the age of 2 should be getting at least an hour of exercise a day in order to stay healthy and maintain a healthy weight (Overweight and Obesity, 2). Many young children have become accustomed to staying inside and using electronics, where they do not have to exert much energy whereas going outside and playing would. The average child in today’s society spends up to

You have heard, time and time again, how good exercise is for children. Most children aren’t getting the suggested amount of exercise

Childhood obesity is rapidly becoming an epidemic in America. Children are becoming overweight from lack of exercise and overeating. A average US child eats fast food daily without exercise. More than 15 million US children live in “food insecure” homes which means they have limited access to the foods they need to stay healthy due to the cost of the items according to the Trust for America’s Health and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Children are consuming much more than they burn off from exercise daily. Due to children eating more than they burn off, they are suffering from different types of diseases. Researchers are still studying these epidemics. So far, statistics have shown that children are in fact becoming obese from not exercising

This study analyzed the physical activity levels (PA), moderate-vigorous physical activity levels (MVPA), BMI, and waist circumferences (WC) in 202 (53% male; 47% female) children annually from ages seven to ten. These figures were kept track of in the subjects because “The aim of the present study was to use

America's children are not getting enough exercise, and the health risks due to obesity are becoming epidemic in nature. Even First Lady Michelle Obama is supporting an initiative to help children become more active and to provide for exercise (at least 30-60 minutes per day) in all schools. Even limited amounts of exercise can have great health benefits. When humans exercise, the brain produces chemicals that help enhance mood, limit cravings for sugars, and contribute to healthier joints, muscles, the heart, and kidneys. In turn, this translates into more productive work time, the ability to sleep better, increase memory, and reduce dependence on medications. Children are so vulnerable to this health risk that if it continues, over 60% of graduating seniors will be clinically obese. Written by a medical journalist, the book is designed for the lay reader but has a number of documented scholarly sources.

Out of the 14 schools 361 boys were assessed, at 8 months a follow up assessment completed on the control group which consisted of 154 boys and 139 intervention group participants representing an overall retention. Those who did not complete the follow-up assessments were more active on weekdays and weekends. No significant differences for body composition were noted and no intervention effects were noted for their BMI, waist circumference or body fat percentage. Changes in BMI, waist circumference, and body fat for those classified as overweight/obese at baseline were all in favor of the intervention group. Of the 19 participants who improved their weight status, 13 were in the intervention group; of the 9 participants who regressed to an unhealthier weight status, only 1 was in the intervention group. Results concluded no major changes on activity or moderate to vigorous physical activity, but participants stated drinking less sugary drinks and less screen time than the control group (Dally et al., 2016).

In the past 20 years, childhood obesity has become a major concern because it has increased dramatically leading to health effects in children and teens. Three of the programs identified in the article, Young kids old bodies, included healthy eating, physical activity and measure of body mass on physical check ups (Park). By measuring the BMI of children during routine check ups, benefits by keeping physicians and parents aware of their kid's weight; helping to identify if they are at risk. Although, people may not agree with this new practice I can see how this could be of benefit to a kid's health because doctors would be to detect the issue faster if given the information instead of waiting for request. Physical activity can help lower

A growing number of children are demonstrating unhealthy eating habits and as a result are becoming obese due to lack of physical activity, nutrition and genetics. Children in today’s society are not motivated to exercise and participate in after school activities. If we were to go back in time 15 to 20 years ago, children were encouraged to explore the outdoors by engaging in activities such as camping, bicycling, walking, running and playing sports. Now, living in the 21st century, technology has taken a major toll on our children health; they are spending more time indoors watching television, playing video, games, surfing the internet and texting on their mobile phones.

To slow this epidemic of childhood obesity, physical activity needs to be put back in these children’s lives.

“Parental behavioral patterns concerning shopping, cooking, eating and exercise have an important influence on a child’s energy, balance and ultimately their weight” said diet specialist, Anne Collins (“Childhood Obesity Facts”). Childhood obesity has more than tripled since the 1980’s (“Childhood Obesity Facts”). Childhood obesity often leads to obesity as an adult which can put a person at greater risks dealing with the heart, diabetes, and many other obese related diseases. People want to blame the schools and today’s technology for childhood obesity, in reality, the responsibility lies in the hands of their parents.

Childhood obesity may not seem like a serious problem, but it is a serious medical condition that can have major effects on a child. Although genetics play a role in determining a child’s weight, it is usually due to a child’s amount of exercise and the consumption of healthy meals. Doctors are concerned with the issue, as we all should be, and they are creating new programs that are geared toward helping children learn how to follow a healthier lifestyle. There are some promising outlooks with these programs, and most doctors agree that parents should help their children create a more active and healthy lifestyle. They also agree that the government should provide more attention to the issue as well. Since the growing problem of childhood

Obesity is the condition of being seriously overweight. It is now considered a global health epidemic by the World Health Organization (2000) (McDevitt & Ormrod, 2010). Physical activity is important to children in the middle childhood age group because a staggering amount of children have become overweight in the last few decades and teachers play a role in preventing obesity by becoming a positive role model,

Physical development consists of body and brain growth, health issues, and motor skills. Researchers say that American children are not getting enough exercise, and over the last few decades, children who are at risk for being obese has increased. During the middle childhood stage in my life, I lacked physical activity. My exercise consisted simply from PE. I did not experience any injuries or major accidents that I am aware of. As a child, my diet consisted of traditional Mexican dishes, very high in calories. Although my diet was not very healthy during middle childhood I was in fact very slim. I did not have any illnesses that impacted my physical development. Researchers say that increasing the physical activity has positive outcome, reason why I attempt to exercise regularly and eat healthy now.