Physical Education social role in facing the problem of obesity in infants and adelescents

Abstract

Several studies have shown an increase in the number of obese people on the population in general. Contemporany customs have been responsible for this increase, especially in the case of children and adolescents, considering that their activities aren´t as healthy as the ones practised by preceding generations. in so for, this study has undertaken an analysis on the Physical Education contribution related to obesity problems in the social environment. With a structure of four chapters, this study firstly approaches Physical Education and society, dealing specially with its role in school. In the second chapter, it has been discussed obesidity as a social problem, showing some concepts, causes and consequences of this evil, which is considered an epidemic nowadays. Later, on the third chapter, it is emphasised the obesity during childhood and adolescence, analysing the periods and the riks of being overweight at a young age. Finally, it has been analysed the social role of the Physical education concerning the problem of obesity during childhood and adolescence. It has also been discussed the Physical Education inside and outside school, with a role of interference and transformation in our society. Therefore, it has been considered that Physical Education has a relevant social role - formative and informative - on the shool environment, since it deals with essential themes to the acquisition of healthy habits which way contribute to a better life quality.