During the past decade since the first edition of this practical work was published, global prevalence of obesity has increased by epic proportions, and physical fitness levels have continued to decline. Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Health in Early Life, Second Edition analyzes cutting-edge longitudinal and cross-sectional data on morphological, nutritional, and functional characteristics related to environmental factors to assess how the lifestyle choices we make when we're young deeply impact overall health and wellness throughout our lives. Includes Step-by-Step Nutrition and Exercise Plans Extensively revised and updated, this definitive second edition synthesizes new, original research findings related to anthropometric and body composition data, dietary intake, cardiorespiratory function, motor and psychomotor skills, muscle strength, and biochemical and physiological parameters of preschool-age children. The book supplies ready-to-implement nutrition and exercise plans that are appropriate for children in this age group. Almost tripling the number of references, the text includes new chapters that address the role of genetic factors in addition to prevention techniques, consequences, and treatment of obesity. It also compares body mass index, body composition, and the shifts of adiposity rebound on an international scale. Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Health in Early Life, Second Edition emphasizes that to preserve a high-quality of life no matter your age, it is crucial that a foundation of healthy nutrition and optimal physical activity, which increases the level of physical fitness, be cemented early on. In effect, this book illustrates why early prevention always trumps a cure.