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human body evolved to be physically active. Throughout history, survival
of the human species depended on hunting or gathering the food supply,
pursuits that demanded prolonged physical activity. Even as recently
as the early 1900s, most Americans made their living through agriculture
and other physically demanding occupations. But today, "hunting" the
remote control and "gathering" the kids from day care are about as
close as we get to the lifestyle of our ancestors.
The cost of this sedentary lifestyle
is extremely high. Lack of physical activity during adulthood is
clearly associated with a twofold risk of developing coronary heart
disease and an increased risk of developing other chronic diseases
. These include hypertension
, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity , colon
cancer 32 47 80, and depression .
Given these increased risks, it
is not surprising that physically inactive people tend to die younger
than their more active counterparts .
In fact, U.S. public health statistics indicate that over 250,000
premature deaths per year can be attributed to physical inactivity
. Americans may be living longer
than ever, but they are not living as long (and undoubtedly not
as well) as they would if they were regularly active.
The precursors of chronic disease
are seen frequently in American youth. Studies show a substantial
number of youth with risk factors that predispose them to developing
chronic diseases 6 20 33, including elevations in blood cholesterol
and blood pressure, excessive body fatness, and insulin resistance
(a condition that can lead to diabetes). Physical inactivity contributes
to all of these.
"
While changes in the
American diet have
undoubtedly contributed
to this increase (in
obesity), most experts
believe that decreased
physical activity is the
major contributor." |
Physical inactivity also contributes
to the most alarming trend in the health of American children and
youth: a significant increase in the prevalence of obesity .
Between the early 1980s and 1990s, youth obesity rates nearly doubled,
to an overall prevalence of 11%. While changes in the American diet
have undoubtedly contributed to this increase, most experts believe
that decreased physical activity is the major contributor .
The technological advances that have enhanced Americans' quality
of life appear to be eroding the health of our young people. The
long-term health of today's children may depend on their ability
to lead physically active lives in a society that requires very
little physical activity for day-to-day existence.
The purpose of this paper is to
review the research on young people and physical activity and to
explore actions that must be taken to help them adopt and maintain
physically active lifestyles. The paper examines three major sub-topics.
First, it summarizes what is currently known about the physical
activity levels and habits of American children and youth. Second,
it reviews the factors that determine whether or not they are physically
active. And third, it discusses steps that can be taken to help
young people become more active on a regular basis.
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