Physical Activity, Fitness, Nutrition and Obesity During Growth

Book excerpt: An imbalance between high energy intake – due to inadequate diet – and reduced energy expenditure – caused by sedentary habits – is believed to create an inherent risk of obesity among individuals. Lifestyle changes among preschool children coupled with health problems (cardiovascular, metabolic, orthopedic, psychological etc.) correlate to an observed increase in body mass index and may even predispose growing children towards obesity in their adult life. Adequate physical activity in the form of regular exercise (in terms of intensity, frequency and duration) has been shown to reduce BMI and have a positive impact on health and physical fitness levels among children. Thus physical activity programs have been applied for obesity prevention and treatment with some degree of success. Physical Activity, Fitness, Nutrition and Obesity During Growth focuses on research findings and recommendations to mitigate obesity risk in children during early growth stages. The reviews presented in this volume give readers an interdisciplinary insight into the realm of obesity as a global epidemic in early childhood. The review also discusses interventions based on physical activity, which can help combat obesity among children while avoiding undesirable strategies (such as strict diets). The book is intended for public health officials, social workers, as well as general medical practitioners and counsellors.