Walberg J, Ward D
Pediatrician. 1983;12(2-3):82-8.
Children in the United States are getting fatter and less active. Some childhood obesity undoubtedly develops from overeating but underactivity contributes to this condition. Various studies document less movement and lower intensity of activity in obese youth. An increase in physical activity is desirable since the health-related fitness components of flexibility, muscular and cardiovascular endurance can be improved in addition to the primary goal of body fat reduction. Evidence from animal studies suggests that exercise may alter adipose cell proliferation as well as total fat mass if initiated during growth. Regaining the natural inclination of children to be physically active may require efforts by physicians, parents, schools and special clinics. An increase in physical activity during childhood may help prevent chronic adult diseases related to inactivity and obesity.
美国儿童正变得越来越胖，活动也越来越少。一些儿童肥胖无疑是由暴饮暴食导致的，但缺乏运动也是造成这种情况的一个因素。各种研究表明，肥胖青少年的运动量减少，活动强度降低。增加体育活动是可取的，因为除了减少体脂这一主要目标外，还可以改善与健康相关的柔韧性、肌肉和心血管耐力等身体素质。动物研究的证据表明，如果在生长过程中开始运动，可能会改变脂肪细胞的增殖以及总体脂肪量。要恢复儿童积极运动的自然倾向，可能需要医生、家长、学校和特殊诊所共同努力。儿童时期增加体育活动可能有助于预防与缺乏运动和肥胖相关的成人慢性疾病。
