Physical activity in adolescents and children and relationship to metabolic health

Purpose of review To summarize the recent developments relating to the role of physical activity in improving insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents. Recent findings The current literature strengthens previous findings on the relationship between physical activity and metabolic health in children; suggests a protective role for physical activity in the setting of obesity; examines population-specific findings; addresses specific effects of different modalities of physical activity in improving health; reveals potential mediators in the relationship between physical activity and metabolic health; and suggests new markers of metabolic health that could potentially be used as outcomes in future physical activity studies. Summary Recent research generally confirms the role of physical activity in decreasing insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents. However, the current literature is limited by unstandardized research methods and definitions, and also aggregation of different age groups, genders, and weight status. Future research should address these issues to offer targeted physical activity interventions.
Source: Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity - Category: Endocrinology Tags: GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT: Edited by Lynne L. Levitsky Source Type: research