The human body is designed for activity. For most of our history, physical activity was required for survival, but technological advances have eliminated much of the need for hard physical labor. As our activity levels have dropped, it has become clear that a physically inactive lifestyle can lead to a host of health problems. "Physical Activity and Health, Second Edition," provides a comprehensive treatment of the research on the benefits of a physically active lifestyle in comparison with the harmful consequences of physical inactivity.

Written by leading scientists from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia, "Physical Activity and Health, Second Edition," brings together the results of the most important studies on the relationship between physical activity, sedentarism, and various health outcomes. The second edition has been fully updated based on the latest advances in this rapidly changing field and expanded to include the following new content:

- A chapter on the physiology of inactivity and the effects of sedentary behavior even in people who engage in appropriate amounts of physical activity, which is an area of growing interest

- More extensive coverage of physical activity, aging, and the brain, including a new chapter on the relationship between physical activity and brain structures and functions

- A chapter on the development of national and international physical activity and health guidelines, which will help readers better understand how scientific findings are converted into practical recommendations

"Physical Activity and Health, Second Edition," offers a detailed yet concise presentation of key concepts as well as a framework to help readers relate results from single studies or collections of studies to the overall paradigm linking physical activity and physical fitness to health. For each of the topics covered, the text provides an overview of the most important research findings, discusses the limitations of the current knowledge base, and identifies directions for future investigation.

At the core of the text is a review of our current understanding of how physical activity affects health concerns such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity as well as aging and mental health. The text identifies sedentary living habits and poor fitness as major public health problems and examines the potential of physical activity to prevent disease and enhance quality of life. This complete resource also looks at the evolution of the field of physical activity and health; variations in physical activity levels across age, sex, and ethnic groups; the body's physiological responses to physical activity; dose-response issues; and the influence of genetics on physical activity, fitness, and health. The book ends with an integration of the issues covered and discusses new opportunities for research.

The second edition of "Physical Activity and Health" continues to offer clear, user-friendly coverage of the most important concepts and research in the field. Numerous special features will aid readers in their comprehension of the material. Chapter outlines and callout boxes help readers key in on important topics and focus their reading, and chapter summaries, definitions of key terms, and study questions provide tools for review and self-testing. Commonly used acronyms and abbreviations are found on the interior covers for handy reference.

Where other books have simply promoted physical activity for the individual or a population, "Physical Activity and Health, Second Edition," completely integrates current knowledge of the relationship between physical activity and health. With contributions from some of the finest scientists in the field, this comprehensive text offers information unmatched in accuracy and reliability.

Regular physical activity is an important key to a healthy, happy lifestyle. The many benefits of daily physical activity include more energy; less stress; better sleep; reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes; stronger bones, joints, and muscles; and an overall healthier and longer independent life. If you're ready to become active, fit, and healthy, Active Living Every Day, Third Edition With Web Resource, provides all the tools you need to get moving and make physical activity part of your everyday life. More than a book, Active Living Every Day presents a scientifically tested step-by-step program with evidence-based behavior change strategies for becoming more physically active. Designed to make active lifestyles available to people everywhere, it offers updated research showing the need to be physically active and demonstrates the proven effectiveness of this program. Practical and accessible, this third edition offers streamlined delivery for a clear, focused read. Learn simple and enjoyable ways to fit physical activity into your life, concentrating on activities you can easily add into your daily routine. Create your own personalized activity plan unique to your individual preferences and lifestyle. With an emphasis on moderate-intensity activities, you'll also learn how everyday activities, like housecleaning and gardening, can count toward your weekly physical activity goals. Develop confidence by gaining problem-solving skills, overcoming obstacles, and learning how to increase intensity when desired. The tips and participants' stories in this book, plus a web resource offering activities for practice, offer the support and guidance you need to make healthy changes in your life. With Active Living Every Day, Third Edition, join thousands of people just like you who have used this program to achieve lifelong success in becoming active every day.

"Obesity kills 300,000 people per year" IS A BIG FAT LIE! Glenn Gaesser, an exercise physiologist, challenges the conventional wisdom that being "overweight" is dangerous. This is a meticulously-researched, clearly-written book and is crucial reading for anyone who wants to take concrete steps towards improving their health—no matter what their size. Here are well-document facts that: People can be fit and fat. Thinner is not necessarily healthier. Some body fat protects you from heart disease. Dieting can cause weight gain. "Finally, truth and justice for the fat person. People...cannot all fit some insurance chart. This book should be required reading before going on a diet." —Charles Van Dyke, Chairman of the Board, National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance "A fascinating, witty, informative collage on one of the most bewildering contemporary controversies in the health field." —Rubin Andres, M.D., Clinical Director, National Institute on Aging