Y Kids Academy Program Increases Knowledge of Healthy Living in Young Adolescents

Abstract

Physical inactivity is a global health crisis of the 21st century. The World Health Organization reports that each year physical inactivity will cost the lives of approximately 3.2 million people worldwide [1], making it the fourth leading cause of mortality [2]. Physical inactivity also increases morbidity, as it is strongly related to an increased risk of obesity2, as well as several non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain types of cancer [3]. Physical inactivity has also been associated with the development of mental health disorders [4], as well as decreased emotional well-being [5] and reduced quality of life [6]. Although most of the ill effects related to physical inactivity manifest in adulthood, the development of these problems begins much earlier. Adolescence is when individuals establish many of their lifestyle choices, and as such interventions addressing physical inactivity should target adolescence for establishing healthy lifestyle habits. Research Article Exercise Medicine Open Access eISSN: 2508-9056