Physical Activity

Physical Activity is an influential factor in preventing, treating and managing obesity.

Integral to the energy balance equation, physical activity is essential for developing and maintaining physical health and well-being.

The Chief Medical Officer recommends that adults should take 30 mins of moderate physical activity five times per week. (1); though is regularly debated in the scientific literature as to weather the recommendation is enough.

Physical Activity behaviour has a significant impact on obesity. Changes in activity levels over the last thirty years such as; a reduction in occupational exercise, increased car use, a decline in walking as a mode of transport and increased energy saving devices such as lifts, have all impacted on energy expenditure and increased obesity levels.

Cultural shifts have influenced some of the changes in activity levels, such as substitution of physical activity with more sedentary leisure such as computer games, internet and television, especially for young people. While the opportunities for sports and physical activity have often increased, affordability and accessibility issues remain. Further, fear of using outdoor spaces, racial and cultural issues mean that people often feel excluded

More research is needed in order to establish what factors influence and enable active lifestyles. Further action is needed in order to implement the evidence we have, such as reducing crime and perceptions of fear and safety in urban environments, in order to encourage more walking and recreational physical activities.

Ogilvie JA, Townshend TG, Lake AA

References

  1. Chief Medical Officer at least five a week
  2. Tackling Obesity in England, The National Audit Office 2001
  3. British Heart Fondation Diet, physical activity and obesity statistics (2006): Physical activity. Chapter Two: Physical activity. Published November 2006
  4. NECF Green Exercise PEANuT report
  5. http://www.necf.org.uk
  6. Physical activity
  7. NHS Physical activity and obesity
  8. North East Physical Activity Forum