The relationship between nutrition and physical exercise in children's lives

Abstract

As from a very young age, children should be encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyles as these are more likely to stay with the child in later life. Physical activity is part of a lifestyle and is required because when children exercise, they are using energy therefore they balance their energy intake and weight. In my dissertation I identified the eating habits of children and the correlation between food intake and physical activity. I chose to do so, since the greatest current national health crisis is children's obesity and it has reached epidemic proportions. I also investigated childhood obesity. Obesity is caused by two factors: poor diet and lack of exercise. These two are correlated and are the most important factors in the promotion and maintenance of good health throughout the entire life course. Statistics show that Malta tops the obesity group for children. Introductory information from World Health Organisation's Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Study showed that the percentage of obesity in school children is increasing. The study was conducted through the use of a questionnaire that was filled by children. This gave an idea of what are children's eating habits and their level of daily activity. Quantitative type of research was used. Promotions, emphasizing the importance of proper eating and lifestyle habits are significant. Primary schools must encourage physical activity and nutrition, within a balanced program of physical education, so as to reduce childhood obesity, chronic diseases, and, eventually, adult morbidity and premature mortality.