Preventing obesity in primary schoolchildren.
BMJ (Clinical research ed.) 2010 ; 340: c819.
DOI : 10.1136/bmj.c819
PubMed ID : 20179127
PMCID : 0
URL : https://www.bmj.com/content/340/bmj.c819
Abstract
Childhood obesity is rapidly increasing worldwide and is associated with a higher risk of several health problems, as well as with being obese as an adult. Obesity is at least partly caused by an energy imbalance, which makes tackling unhealthy diets and low levels of physical activity in children key public health objectives. Physical activity in childhood has also been independently associated with health outcomes, so promoting physical activity probably has benefits beyond weight control. However, promoting physical activity in children has proved challenging, and we have little evidence available for effective strategies.