Factors Influencing Physical Activity Patterns in Obese and Non-Obese Children: Results from OBEY-AD Study View PDF

^*Dario Gregori
Department Of Cardiac Thoracic And Vascular Sciences, University Of Padova, Padova, Italy

^*Corresponding Author:

Dario Gregori
Department Of Cardiac Thoracic And Vascular Sciences, University Of Padova, Padova, Italy
Email:dario.gregori@unipd.it

Published on: 2016-11-10

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to analyze patterns of Physical Activity (PA), concentrating on evaluating dietary patterns according with PA levels, in underweight/normal weight and overweight/obese (OWO) children across three geographical areas worldwide.

Keywords

Physical activity; Children; Parental perception; Nutrition; Obesity; South America; India; Europe

Introduction

Physical Activity (PA) has been demonstrated to result in beneficial health outcomes in both children and adolescents. Several studies conducted in schoolchildren and young adults have shown that PA seems to be associated with better lipid profile, reduced risk of hypertension and of metabolic syndrome (characterized by insulin resistance, impaired blood lipid profile, abdominal obesity, and increased inflammatory markers). Additionally, it appears to contribute to the maintenance of a healthy musculoskeletal system, especially of healthy bones (generally evaluated by assessing bone mineral density). Not least, PA has shown to result in better psychosocial outcomes (in terms of reduced risk of anxiety, depression, and better school performance). Above all potential PA benefits, its relationship with overweight/obesity has been extensively studied and debated, showing that PA seems to be relevant in overweight/ obesity prevention and treatment.