Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness and Council on School Health (2006). Active healthy living: Prevention of childhood obesity through increased physical activity. Pediatrics, 117, 1834-1842.
PDF file, 2 pages Published: Sep 2009 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This Research Update article highlights a study that looks at the influence of a walking program and a fitness centre exercise program on the way middle-aged, overweight or obese people feel about their bodies.
Tudor-Locke, C., Bell, R.C., Myers, A.M., Harris, S.B., Ecclestone, N.A., Lauzon. N., et al. (2004). Controlled outcome evaluation of the First Step Program: A daily physical activity intervention for individuals with Type 2 diabetes. International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders 28, 113-119.
2 pages Published: Jan 2004 GeoOrigin: International
This document highlights the obesity epidemic in the United States. There are statistics on the prevalence of overweight among children and adolescents.
Veugelers P. & Fitzgerald A. (2005). Effectiveness of School Programs in Preventing Childhood Obesity: A Multilevel Comparison. American Journal of Public Health, 95, 432-435
Adult obesity rates continue to rise in America, while government policy efforts are not solving this crisis. Theses reports (2004-2008) outline the issue and recommendations as well as state-specific information on the current obesity rates.
HealthierUS.Gov provides credible, accurate information to help Americans choose to live healthier lives. This major web site links to other American government programs and campaigns providing information about such topics as nutrition and physical activity, diabetes, healthy aging, and obesity.
Cardiovascular disease or heart disease is the number one killer in Canada. This disease is also the most costly disease in Canada, putting the greatest burden on our national health-care system. Top risk factors include smoking, diets rich in saturated fats, physical inactivity, stress, family history of heart disease, and being overweight. Please visit the Health Canada web site for more information and heart healthy tips.
Saris, W.H.M., Blair, S.N., van Baak, M.A., Eaton, S.B., Davies, P.S.W., Di Pietro, L., Fogelholm, M., et al. (2003). How much physical activity is enough to prevent unhealthy weight gain? Outcome of the IASO 1st Stock Conference and consensus statement. Obesity Reviews, 4, 101.
Weinstein, A.R. & Sesso, H.D. (2006). Joint effects of physical activity and body weight on diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Exercise & Sport Sciences Reviews, 34, 10-15.
pdf file, 4 pages Published: Feb 2005 GeoOrigin: Alberta
High levels of total body fat, especially visceral (waist/hip) fat, lead to an increased risk for Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and other illnesses. This WellSpring issue informs health practitioners about ways to measure body composition (e.g., Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-to-Hip Ratio, and Waist Circumference) and compares their effectiveness in predicting the risk of chronic diseases.
pdf file, 4 pages Published: Apr 2005 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Half of Alberta's youth are not active enough for healthy growth and development. A recent study states that the average child between eight and 19 spends 6.5 hours a day with TV and other media. This WellSpring issue discusses the adverse health and social consequences of too much media entertainment, and what we can do to reduce children's physical inactivity. The issue also discusses Live Outside the Box, a campaign sponsored by the Alberta Sport Recreation, Parks & Wildlife Foundation to improve physical activity levels among children and youth.
2 pages Published: May 2012 GeoOrigin: International
Increased consumption of high fat foods and physical inactivity have led to a global epidemic of obesity and overweight. This WHO fact sheet highlights the extent of the problem, how it affects health, and what we can do about it.
pdf file, 2 pages Published: Oct 2001 GeoOrigin: Alberta
Over the past 25 years, the number of overweight and obese Canadian children has dramatically increased. Unfortunately, many significant health risks are associated with being overweight during the growing years. This WellSpring article discusses obesity among children and youth, why it is a problem, and what we can do. The article also offers ways for parents, schools, and communities to support active living, healthy eating, and positive body images.
This factsheet shows results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. From height and weight measurements, it is estimated that 65% if American adults are either overweight or obese. A factsheet and charts showing age-adjusted prevalance of overweight and obesity among US adults are also included.
Erlichman, J., Kerbey, A.L., & James, W.P.T. (2002). Physical activity and its impact on health outcomes. Paper 2: Prevention of unhealthy weight gain and obesity by physical activity: An analysis of the evidence. Obesity Reviews, 3, 273.
pdf file, 2 pages Published: Mar 2005 GeoOrigin: International
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States have prepared fact sheets on benefits of physical activity and American statistics on overweight and physical activity participation rates.
At this Physical Activity Forum, Dr. Mark Tremblay, an internationally known expert in childhood obesity, spoke about preventing childhood obesity using big picture strategies.
You can view the presentation and panel discussion. As well, Dr. Tremblay has provided a copy of his presentation for you to use.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is encouraging physicians to try to prevent childhood obesity. Recommendations include assessing body mass index, promoting physical activity and healthy eating, and reducing "screen-time."
pdf file, 2 pages Published: Apr 2004 GeoOrigin: National
This position paper outlines the Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine's concern with the alarming increase in inactivity and the decline in fitness among Canadian children.
pdf file, 94 pages Published: Oct 2000 GeoOrigin: International
This guide, developed by a National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute expert panel, recommends ways to assess and treat overweight and obese patients.
The guide also provides tools for medical staff and health specialists to effectively manage their overweight and obese adult patients. The guide also includes a section addressing weight reduction after age 65.
The 2004 Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in Balance is a report on the initial assessment of the nature, extent and consequences of childhood obesity. The findings and recommendations are described in the report.
You will also find a follow-up study and specific reports addressing the roles of schools, communities, media and industry.
At the bottom of the screen, you will find a series of fact sheets on these topics as well!
Katz, D.L., O'Connell, M., Ming-Chen, Y., Nawaz, H., Njike, V., Anderson, L.M., et al. (2006). Public health strategies for preventing and controlling overweight and obesity in school and worksite settings: A report on recommendations of the task force on community prevention services. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: Recommendations and Reports, 54, 1-12.
Flynn, M.A., McNeil, D.A., Maloff, B., Mutasingwa, D., Wu, M., Ford, C., et al. (2006). Reducing obesity and related chronic disease risk in children and youth: A synthesis of evidence with "best practice" recommendations. Obesity Reviews, 7(Suppl 1), 7-66.
pdf file, 2 pages Published: Oct 2002 GeoOrigin: Alberta
This WellSpring article defines terms such as overweight and obesity, discusses obesity-related risk factors, and presents a study of obese children who are both "fat and fit."
To maintain a healthy weight for life, you need to be active and eat well. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is one way to measure overweight and obesity. This factsheet from the US Surgeon General tells you how to use the BMI chart to determine your BMI.
PDF file, 1 page Published: Dec 2008 GeoOrigin: Alberta
The long-term health risks for children with overweight or obesity have been well-established. Typically one thinks of cardiovascular disease or Type 2 diabetes, but one of the other significant risks is developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It’s estimated that 10-25% of children with overweight or obesity have NAFLD.
Currently, there are no evidenced-based guidelines for how to treat NAFLD in children. This Research Update article explores recent research in establishing healthy eating and physical activity guidelines for treating NAFLD in children.
