The percentage of children between 6 and 11 years old suffering from obesity doubled in the United States between 1980 and 2006, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The percentage of obese kids between 12 and 19 years old tripled, according to the same study. Obesity in children can lead to diabetes, heart disease and depression. A good physical development program is critical to reducing these risk factors and maintaining a healthy weight.
Health Effects of Obesity
Doctors once thought type 2 diabetes only affected adults, but it is becoming more common in kids. The CDC reports that almost half of all instances of childhood diabetes in some communities are type 2 diabetes; being overweight is a common risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Overweight children and adolescents are also more likely to have risk factors for heart disease such, as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, according to the U.S. Surgeon General's Office. Obese children face social problems such as bullying and may become depressed or develop low self esteem.
Physical Activity
The physical activity guidelines released by the Department of Health and Human Services suggests 60 minutes of moderate physical activity, such as jogging or playing softball or volleyball, every day for kids ages 6 to 19. But according to the CDC, less than 18 percent of kids in this age group meet that goal. Regular exercise helps kids build and maintain healthy bones and muscles, improves self esteem and encourages healthy social development.
Teaching a Healthy Lifestyle
A good physical education program teaches students how to develop a healthy lifestyle and the importance of exercise. By including physical activity in the school day, physical education classes help students develop a habit of exercising. Physical education also teaches students how to safely exercise, including a warm-up and cool-down period.
Access to Sports
Physical education provides students access to sports that they may not otherwise have. A child who may not otherwise get the opportunity to play sports such as basketball or volleyball can feel included in these games during physical education classes. Learning sports also helps a child learn sportsmanship and respect for her teammates and opponents.
Other Benefits
Exercise and the lessons learned in a school physical education class can boost a child's confidence. This improved confidence can cross over into other areas of the child's life, such as academic performance. Confidence, self-respect and physical health gained from a physical development program can provide benefits to the child well into adulthood.
