Few of today's occupations require vigorous physical activity, and much of our leisure time is spent in sedentary pursuits. Also, there has been an increase in body fat levels in children and youth over the past 20 years. After infancy and early childhood, the earlier the onset of obesity, the greater the likelihood of remaining obese. Excess body fat has been linked to such health problems as coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes, arthritis and certain forms of cancer. Some evidence now exists showing that obesity has a negative effect on both health and longevity.
Exercise is associated with the loss of body fat in both obese and normal weight persons.
A regular program of exercise is an important component of any plan to help individuals lose, gain or maintain their weight. Overweight and overfat do not always mean the same thing. Some people are quite muscular and weigh more than the average for their age and height. This is true for many athletes. Others weigh an average amount yet carry around too much fat.