While physical activity is important for children, secondary activities should be slim around the age of two. “Physical activity patterns are established during the early childhood years (Birch and Fisher) and may track during early childhood (Pate), from late childhood to adolescence (Janz), and from early childhood to adulthood (NASPE), declining progressively with age” (Janz). Sedentary behaviors show in children that watch more television. The intake of television at a young age will escalate as they reach early childhood. These behaviors may have a lifetime effect on cause of adult and childhood obesity. “Indirect evidence from countries where the use of active modes of transportation is common suggests that children in nations with a culture of physical activity are less likely to be obese” (K.R. Fox); “however, there is surprisingly little evidence that increased physical activity controls adiposity among young children” (Hills). Higher levels of physical activity leads to a low body mass index or BMI in young children. “The Framingham Children’s Study followed preschool- aged children until they entered the first grade” (Moore). “Throughout the study, preschool-aged children with low levels of …show more content…
“Intrauterine life, infancy, and the preschool years may all include critical periods that program the long-term regulation of energy balance” (Reilly). “Experiences during critical periods that increase the risk for obesity are those that lead to a positive energy balance through excess caloric intake, insufficient physical activity, or metabolic changes that affect energy balance” (Agras). Breastfeeding protects infants against later obesity in childhood and also in adults. Owen found that breastfeeding was associated with a reduced risk of obesity later in life, with an odds ratio of 0.78. “However, after considering additional unpublished data and adjusting for potential confounders, the team later concluded that the protective effect of breastfeeding was small, and not likely to result in meaningful protection against later overweight or obesity” (Owen). The average amount of time one mother should breastfeed is approximately six to nine months, no more and no less. For each month of breastfeeding the child is less likely to get overweight. Bottled milk, compared to that of breast milk, can lead to more of an obesity epidemic. Bottled formula milk, compared to that of breast milk, can lead to more of an obesity epidemic. Breastfeeding helps with infections, helps with preventing allergies, and