Pediatria pre prax 6/2008
ENERGY BALANCE AND PREVENTION OBESITY IN CHILDREN
Prevention and treatment of childhood obesity is based upon understanding its causes. Two mutually dependent sides of energy metabolism are rational feeding (i.e. energy intake) and regular physical activity (i.e. energy output). Healthy lifestyle is aimed to achieve balance between these variables – if energy intake is lacks behind of energy output, the body weight decreases, while an energy intake exceeding energy output is associated with gain of body weight. The recent paper draws attention to the importance of thorough evaluation of both components of energy balance in overweighed and obese children.
Keywords: energy balance, physical activity, overweight, obesity, children.
