Physical Activity and Obesity

Explores the part played by physical activity in preventing obesity or fostering obesity through different levels of activity. This book reviews physical activity as an important part of obesity on the one hand and appropriate weight on the other. It discusses the role of exercise as part of the wider picture of everyday activity and lifestyle.

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This book explores our understanding of the part played by physical activity in preventing obesity through suitable activity or fostering obesity through reduced levels of activity. The international group of authors review physical activity as an important part of obesity on the one hand and appropriate weight on the other. Questions discussed include the role of exercise as part of the wider picture of everyday activity and lifestyle. Obesity as the other part of the equation needs to be better defined and understood if the so-called pandemic is to be checked. The common features of obesity need to be better understood and lessons learned from different regional experience so as to contribute effectively to better health of the individual and to rational health education. As is the case with nutrition the importance of physical activity is universal and continues throughout life. At the present time the impact of the environment and culture on the activity of children and adolescents is the focus of concern in many communities.
The role of physical activity and exercise in those age-groups, and the natural history of weight and overweight during growth and development, are among essential public health topics under review here. "Physical Activity and Obesity" aims to provide up-to-date knowledge for discussion as part of two sides to the worldwide debate. How can communities use knowledge about the nature of obesity to do what broadly societies have failed to do - to turn round the onrush of obesity? How can increasing research into the nature of exercise in particular and general physical activity in communities today be used to bring about better health in the future?