Exercise and Obesity Essay Example
Introduction
There is a growing understanding of how certain levels of physical activity may positively affect cardiovascular, musculosketetal, respiratory and endocrine function, as well as mental health (Kravitz, 2007). The Surgeon General's report (1996) on physical activity and health emphasizes that regular participation in moderate physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Several studies (Haapanen et al, 1996, Lee et al, 1994) have shown that physical activity enhances health and reduces the risk for all-cause mortality and the development of many chronic diseases among adults. Exercise and physical activity has also been related to the reduction in mental health illnesses. An investigation by Hassmen et al (2000) found that individuals with improved levels of fitness are capable of managing stress more effectively than those who are less fit. Individuals who have clinical depression tend to be less active and healthy and have a reduced capacity for physical exertion (Fox 1999). In the past, patients diagnosed with depression have credited exercise as being an important element in comprehensive treatment programs for depression (Dunn 2002).
The American Academy of Pediatrics (2000) claim that the opportunity to be active on a regular basis, as well as the enjoyment and competence gained from activity, may increase the likelihood that a physically active lifestyle will be adopted.
While ever the U.K. is struggling to reduce the year-by-year increase in obesity prevalence. Education could defiantly help in the fight, Lavine & Ray (2006), found that Physical education teacher education made teachers more aware of their physical activity levels, meaning they could help enhance not only their own levels of activity but convey the importance of keeping an active lifestyle to students. “Fundamentally sound school health and physical education programs can foster healthy behaviours (McGinnis et al, 1991)”. Establishing healthy
There is a growing understanding of how certain levels of physical activity may positively affect cardiovascular, musculosketetal, respiratory and endocrine function, as well as mental health (Kravitz, 2007). The Surgeon General's report (1996) on physical activity and health emphasizes that regular participation in moderate physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Several studies (Haapanen et al, 1996, Lee et al, 1994) have shown that physical activity enhances health and reduces the risk for all-cause mortality and the development of many chronic diseases among adults. Exercise and physical activity has also been related to the reduction in mental health illnesses. An investigation by Hassmen et al (2000) found that individuals with improved levels of fitness are capable of managing stress more effectively than those who are less fit. Individuals who have clinical depression tend to be less active and healthy and have a reduced capacity for physical exertion (Fox 1999). In the past, patients diagnosed with depression have credited exercise as being an important element in comprehensive treatment programs for depression (Dunn 2002).
The American Academy of Pediatrics (2000) claim that the opportunity to be active on a regular basis, as well as the enjoyment and competence gained from activity, may increase the likelihood that a physically active lifestyle will be adopted.
While ever the U.K. is struggling to reduce the year-by-year increase in obesity prevalence. Education could defiantly help in the fight, Lavine & Ray (2006), found that Physical education teacher education made teachers more aware of their physical activity levels, meaning they could help enhance not only their own levels of activity but convey the importance of keeping an active lifestyle to students. “Fundamentally sound school health and physical education programs can foster healthy behaviours (McGinnis et al, 1991)”. Establishing healthy