Fast food and a rise in a sedentary life have spread from North America to the European continent. Along with this has been a dramatic increase in weight. Studies have shown obesity to be associated with many health problems, including lung, gastrointestinal and circulatory problems during childhood and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and colon cancer in adulthood. Overweight and obese adults are also known to be more likely to develop psychological disorders than normal-weight adults, although more research is needed to determine if the same is true for children.

A study completed this past year at Duke University showed that obesity, which is linked to increased risk for so many health problems, is also linked to increased risk of psychiatric disorder in children, adolescents and adults.

The Duke study showed that chronically, obese children were more than twice as likely to have symptoms of oppositional disorder than non-obese boys and girls. And chronically, obese boys, but not girls, were nearly four times as likely to have And chronically, obese boys, but not girls, were nearly four times as likely to have symptoms of depression.

Keep this next study in mind and compare it with the next research paper on exercise and the elderly.

Researchers, at the VA Medical Center in San Francisco, California, found that adults who were most fit at the start of a six-year study maintained their mental sharpness over time and did better in tests of their mental function conducted years later than did their less physically fit peers.

“Previous studies have shown that adults with low levels of physical fitness
are likely to experience more mental decline over time than their more active peers.”

Older adults with higher levels of cardio respiratory fitness experience a slower rate of cognitive decline over time.

Cardio respiratory fitness describes the heart and lungs’ efficiency in processing oxygen. People who are not very fit have difficulty processing oxygen when they exercise, which is why they get “winded” or have difficulty breathing.

Years ago, Cooper documented that exercise was important in weight management and that one of the side effects of a good exercise program was a sense of well-being. These two studies would indicate that his original findings are just as true today. In the young, lack of activity is one of the major reasons that weight becomes an issue. It is common today to find our preteens and teenagers out of shape physically. They are more interested in playing computer games and surfing the net than playing outside. While diet is important, it is not an end all to the weight problems and their consequences in our young.

In the aging population, Cooper is again supported by the findings that exercise is related to mental acuity. Staying young as we age is more than just good genetics, we have to work at it. Work means getting in the proper exercise that is essential to maintaining good cardiovascular health.

Previous studies have shown that adults with low levels of physical fitness are likely to experience more mental decline over time than their more active peers.

“An overall [exercise] plan should include factors like your flexibility, strength and endurance...”

If you feel that you need to increase your or a family member’s exercise level, it is more than “just do it.” A specific plan for your level of health must be considered. An overall plan should include factors like your flexibility, strength and endurance as well as your present cardiovascular status. This is as important in an eighty year old as it is in a teenager. Overworking your muscles, joints or cardiovascular system can and will lead to injuries. Talk to us about your concerns. Together we can create a program that is right for you and that you stand a good chance of having success with.

back to list