title: Physical activity, sedentary behavior, and childhood obesity: a review of cross-sectional studies.
abstract: This systematic review examined the associations of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior to childhood overweight and obesity in cross-sectional studies from the last 10 years. Cross-sectional approaches are cost-effective methods for identifying relationships that can then be followed by longitudinal studies to establish temporality and create targeted interventions. The 17 selected studies contained a variety of measures of PA and sedentary behavior. PA was related negatively to child weight status in some studies; however, it was not associated in others. In general, sedentary behaviors were positively associated with weight status. However, gender differences appeared in some studies for each variable. Limitations of cross-sectional approaches were discussed, as was the need for more accurate measures of PA, sedentary behavior, and body composition.
authors: Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA.
authors: Hannah
authors: H
authors: Prentice-Dunn
authors: Steven
authors: S
authors: Prentice-Dunn
mesh_terms: D050154:Adiposity / Q000502:physiology; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D050177:Overweight / Q000453:epidemiology*; D057185:Sedentary Behavior