PREVENTION OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY University of 预防儿童肥胖大学.pptVIP

* * What is responsible for this sudden increase in the number of obese people in the U.S.? Obesity most likely results from an interplay between genes and the environment. However, the recent explosion in the prevalence of obesity has occurred too quickly to be explained solely by changes in our genes. One hypothesis is that, in the past, humans who were able to accumulate fat when food was plentiful were better able to survive during times of food scarcity. Now, however, in the U.S. and many other countries, food is plentiful and foods that are high in calories but often low in nutritional value tend to be relatively inexpensive. Furthermore, most people engage in far less physical activity than did previous generations. Ironically, the ability to accumulate fat during times of plenty – which was originally thought to confer a benefit – has become a detriment to our health. Research supported by the NIDDK has led to improved understanding of the factors contributing to this complex condition. G.S. Barsh, I.S. Farooqi, S. O’Rahilly. Nature 404: 644, 2000 * * The government should work to reduce health inequality and improve the environment factor. by improving the housing situation, deprived areas and supporting the needy such as the disabled, people with difficulties, or large families. Promoting and improving access to sport and leisure facilities, as well as encouraging physical activity, especially among children and disadvantaged groups. * Very popular * The terms physical activity and exercise were used interchangeably in the past; however, we know now that they have two distinct meanings. Physical Activity has been defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that results in energy expenditure (Caspersen, 1985) and includes activities of all intensities. Therefore, things such as housework, gardening, and occupational activity may all be considered types of physical activity. Exercise is considered a subcategory of physical act