Physical Education & the Effects on Childhood Obesity

Children who engage in daily physical activity are less likely to be obese.

Many aspects of American culture promote a sedentary lifestyle, such as fast food and easy access to electronic stimuli. As a result, childhood obesity is both common and widespread. Schools, families, and communities across America have attempted to implement physical education into the lives of children in an effort to fight the prevalence of childhood obesity.

Aspects

Physical education for children includes a combination of physical activities, such as team sports, recreation, running and swimming, as well as instruction on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Instruction can include information on diet, how much daily exercise is adequate, and what types of activities should be incorporated into child's lifestyle.

Benefits

According to the Center for Disease Control, physical activity "helps control weight, build lean muscle, and reduce fat." Activities performed during physical education act as regulators for a child's physiology, reducing excess fat and helping to prevent obesity. Preventing and fighting childhood obesity is important, seeing as obesity may lead to several complications including, but not limited to sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, diabetes, and depression.

Effects

Physical education may also include methods of fighting the psychological and emotional damage caused by childhood obesity. Physical education teaches children how to cope with obesity caused by traumatic events, such as abuse, social ridicule, and low self-esteem. Physical education also teaches children valuable skills that can be implemented throughout their lives, such as teamwork and healthy eating habits.

Considerations

The Center for Disease Control suggests that communities provide children access to daily, quality physical education. Physical education that combines elements of fun with rigorous activities is effective. Children are more likely to engage in physical activities they enjoy rather than those that focus solely on exercise. The Center for Disease Control also suggests that communities "encourage health care providers to talk routinely to adolescents and young adults about the importance of incorporating physical activity into their lives."

Warning

Physical education is not a cure for childhood obesity. Children should be monitored to ensure that they engage in physical activities daily. Activities that promote a sedentary lifestyle such as television and video games should be avoided or significantly decreased. Fast food, prepackaged meals, and foods with high levels of fats and sugars should also be consumed sparingly.

References

• Adolescents and Young Adults
• Overweight and Obesity
• Obesity in Children and Teens

Resources

• Childhood Obesity: The Effects on Physical and Mental Health