Prevenirea supragreutății și obezității pediatrice prin creșterea activității fizice

Abstract

The prevalence of paediatric obesity has reached epidemic proportions. The current epidemic of inactivity and the associated obesity are being driven by multiple factors and must be concomitantly addressed. The health implications of this epidemic are profound. Insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnoea, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, poor self-esteem, and a lower health-related quality of life are among the co-morbidities seen more commonly in affected children and youth than in their unaffected counterparts. Documented trends in increasing prevalence of overweight and inactivity mean that physicians must focus on prevention of childhood obesity, with its associated persistent co-morbid conditions into adulthood. Foremost among these are the expansion of school physical education, dissuading children from pursuing sedentary activities, providing suitable models for physical activity, and making activitypromoting changes in the environment. This article proposes several strategies for improving health promotion and physical performance that paediatric health care providers and public health can monitor, encourage and advocate for increased physical activity for children and teenagers.