The Role of Motor Competence in the Promotion of Physical Activity and a Healthy Body Weight in Youth - Abstract
Despite considerable efforts, obesity rates in youth have been rising or plateaued at a high level throughout the world. Global data indicate that 1 in 10 school-aged children are overweight or obese. Due to the increased risks for physical and psychological problems along with an estimated 10% of total health care costs attributed to weight-related health problems, a high prevalence of overweight and obesity has been identified as a major threat to future public
health. Current intervention strategies addressing this problem, however, have been of limited success and alternative strategies are warranted. Given the importance of physical activity (PA) along with healthy nutrition in long term weight management, a stronger emphasis on the development of motor competence may be a valuable strategy in the promotion of an active lifestyle and healthy body weight in youth. Even though available data indicates a reciprocal,
synergistic relationship between motor competence, PA and body weight, there appears to be a shift in strength and directionality over time. Particularly during late childhood and adolescence motor competence appears to be a crucial determinant of subsequent PA and healthy body weight, while diverse movement experiences form the foundation for motor competence during early childhood. By discussing the empirical evidence on the longitudinal associations of motor competence, PA and body weight along with major theoretical models this narrative review emphasizes the potential contribution of a focus on motor competence in the promotion of an active lifestyle and healthy body weight in youth.