OBESITY TRENDS IN SCHOOL CHILDREN: CAN PE CURRICULUM MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Abstract

The rising prevalence of obesity among children of school age is a serious public health problem that is affecting people all over the globe and has far-reaching implications for their physical, psychological, and social health. Major contributions to this tendency include inadequate amounts of physical activity, bad eating habits, and excessive amounts of time spent in front of screens, all of which are made worse by living in a metropolitan environment. The fact that schools play such an important part in the social development and everyday routine of children makes them an excellent place for intervention initiatives. One step that is promising towards rectifying these worried tendencies is the adoption of a physical education (PE) program that is both dynamic and effective. The purpose of this abstract is to investigate the potential effects that a structured physical education program may have on the battle against childhood obesity and the promotion of healthy lifestyle choices within the population.   According to the findings of study, physical education programs that place an emphasis on inclusiveness, enjoyment, skill development, and continuous physical activity may have the potential to significantly improve students' physical fitness, body composition, and attitudes towards their overall health throughout their lives. In addition, there has been an increase in the usefulness of physical education programs in reducing body mass index (BMI) levels and promoting improved behaviours. These programs include a range of activities, fitness testing, behavioral training, and parental involvement.  According to what is said in the abstract, it is essential for the maintenance of public health that physical education (PE) be revised and given a priority in the curriculum of schools in order to combat the epidemic of childhood obesity.