Physical Activity-Induced Improvements in Markers of Insulin Resistance in Overweight and Obese Children and Adolescents

摘要

Abstract: Childhood obesity is a significant, worldwide, public health problem. Coinciding with the increasing preva-nlence of obesity in youth, Type 2 diabetes has emerged as a critical health condition in this population. In the U.S. alone, napproximately 215,000 U.S. youth under the age of 20 were diagnosed with diabetes, with the majority of 10-19 years old ndiagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the exact number of youth that may have Type 2 diabetes yet remain undi-nagnosed is unknown. Increasing physical activity to encourage weight loss among youth may reduce the incidence of nType 2 diabetes in youth; however, several recent studies reported positive associations between physical activity and ncomponents of Type 2 diabetes without weight loss in youth. These findings support previous studies in adults which ob-nserved physical activity-induced improvements in insulin dynamics without changes in body fat. The purpose of this re-nview was to identify studies which examined the effect of physical activity without dietary intervention on markers of in-nsulin resistance in overweight and obese youth. These studies provide strong evidence that physical activity alone, without ndietary intervention, can have a positive, significant impact on insulin resistance risk and potentially prevent the develop-nment of type 2 diabetes in overweight and obese youth. The studies reviewed provide support for future interventions to nshift the focus from reducing obesity to increasing physical activity for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in obese youth.