The prevalence of obesity among children and youth in the United States has increased rapidly over the past 30 years.2 Obesity is complex and relates to both genetic and environmental factors. Obesity ultimately results from an imbalance of energy intake that exceeds energy expenditure.2 This is commonly referred to as diet and exercise which has seems to have changed greatly over time. Between fast food and today’s technology, children are spending more time eating unhealthy food and playing on their iPad or iPhone then they are outside playing sports or exercising. Although new technology and fast food aren’t the only reason for the rise in obesity levels, we must find a way to get children motivated into a healthier, active lifestyle.
Fitness and exercise programs through the form of PE in our public schools is a big contributor to the fight on the war against childhood obesity. Teaching kids good, healthy habits early helps to promote healthy lifestyles later in life when they become independent and make decisions on their own. Studies have shown that combined diet and physical activity school-based interventions may help prevent children becoming overweight in the long term.1 Schools are a great place to focus on these programs because of the large number of children that can be impacted by the programs. School infrastructure and physical environment, policies, curricula and staff have potential to positively influence child health.1 There are also other ways to impact childhood obesity such as organized sports.
Organized sports allow children to develop teamwork and good sportsmanship while also exercising and staying fit in a fun filled environment. Getting children interested in sports at a young age allows them to become interested in enhancing their skills and enjoying playing sports during their free time. It is also important to get children started at a young age because this allows them to develop their skills on the same level as their peers. Keeping children physically fit at this young age will allow them to stay healthy and hopefully guide them to a lifestyle of fitness.
1Brown, T. and Summerbell, C. (2009), Systematic review of
school-based interventions that focus on changing dietary intake and physical
activity levels to prevent childhood obesity: an update to the obesity guidance
produced by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Obesity
Reviews, 10: 110–141. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2008.00515.x
2Gortmaker SL, Peterson K, Wiecha J, et al. Reducing Obesity
via a School-Based Interdisciplinary Intervention Among Youth: Planet Health. Arch
Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1999;153(4):409-418. doi:10.1001/archpedi.153.4.409.
I believe that sports and also PE helps a lot in a child's health. I played sports my whole life and it taught me leadership, commitment, and how to excersize and be healthy. I think a great way for children to stay healthy and active is to join a sport or sports. As a child I always enjoyed PE and think its a great way to teach children sports and learn what they are good at. PE can help a child develop an interest in a sport to further pressure it in the future.
ReplyDeleteNowadays, it is quite shocking to find out the prevalence of obesity among children. Due to a sedentary lifestyle, very young children are getting affected by obesity. The blog has hit out in the right areas. Fitness and exercise programs for children are a must. The PE program and playing various types of games in schools have helped many children fight obesity and has also helped an equal number of them in preventing weight gain. Besides, playing games like these will also develop team spirit and good camaraderie among youngsters. Thus, it is very important to let then start as early as possible.
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