Objective assessment and modification of physical activity and health indices in adolescent females

The following literature review describes the benefits of being physically active in childhood and adulthood and also the dangers that accompany inactivity. The benefits of being physically activity as a young person can affect future health and future physical activity levels and this link will be considered as a rationale for promoting physical activity in adolescence. The negative consequences of obesity in childhood and adulthood are also considered. The relationship between childhood and adolescent body composition will be considered and it will be discussed how obesity tracks strongly from adolescence into adulthood meaning the current burden of obesity will affect future health. Like the tracking of physical activity, this link will be considered as a rationale for getting adolescents to be physically active. Irish and international data on physical activity and body composition will also be presented and critically appraised. Measurement of physical activity will also be discussed with a focus on accelerometry. Interventions that are school based will be discussed at the end of the chapter.