Recent changes of lifestyle including inadequate nutrition, and reduced physical activity and work load have had a significant impact on somatic development – especially body adiposity along with functional capacity and motor abilities, especially in the growing organism. Inappropriate relationship between energy intake and output has contributed to the increase of depot fat, and reduced also the development of desirable functional capacity – cardiorespiratory fitness, skill, endurance, muscle strength and others. This situation was revealed not only in school children, adolescents and adult subjects, but already in young, preschool age. Mentioned changes have further contributed to an increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity, which have concerned also young children and adolescents. Previous cross-sectional and longitudinal studies revealed positive development in body composition and functional capacity, provided certain character, intensity, frequency and duration of physical activity was implemented. Such changes concerned all age categories, including also advanced age. Therefore, adequately increased physical activity and exercise contributed also to successful treatment and prevention of obesity, along with monitored diet; such a treatment was especially suitable during growth. - The results of experimental model showed significant positive changes of body composition, lipid metabolism in adipose tissue, skeletal and heart muscles, etc. in laboratory animals adapted to an increased level of physical activity, especially in comparison with those adapted to life-long reduction of activity - which was always more marked during growth. Adaptation to increased exercise manifested as delayed positive effects of lipid metabolism, microstructure and resistance of the heart etc. in adult offspring of pregnant mothers exercised during pregnancy.

Centrum pro diagnostiku a léčení obezity Endokrinologický ústav Praha

Physical activity and body composition

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