Antonio Palmeira's Participation at a Roundtable at Jornadas da Pediatria do Hospital de Vila Franca de Xira

On May 7, 2024, the Jornadas da Pediatria do Hospital de Vila Franca de Xira hosted a round table featuring esteemed speakers from different spheres of healthcare. Among these was Antonio Palmeira, a prominent figure in the field of pediatrics and physical activity counseling. His participation was centered on a significant and pressing issue: adolescent obesity and the role physical activity plays in its management.

Antonio Palmeira is known for his substantial contribution to the understanding of physical activity behaviors and their impact on adolescent health. His expertise lies in behavior change related to physical activity, with a particular emphasis on issues surrounding obesity in adolescents.

At this roundtable discussion, he delved into the topic of counseling Physical Activity behaviors for obese adolescents. He highlighted the importance of the '24h movement guidelines' - a formula that integrates physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep into a healthy 24-hour day.

The crux of his talk revolved around engaging adolescents in sustainable behavior changes towards healthier living. He emphasized that it’s not just about implementing an exercise regimen but rather about creating an environment that encourages overall well-being. This includes proper sleep hygiene, reduced sedentary time, and balanced nutrition alongside regular exercise.

Understanding obesity as not just an individual but also a societal issue is key to making effective changes. Palmeira discussed how societal norms, lack of knowledge about healthful habits, and easy access to unhealthy food contribute to adolescent obesity.

He emphasized that changing behavior isn't as simple as giving information; it's about creating motivation and ensuring adolescents have the necessary skills to implement changes. This requires consistent support from healthcare providers, family members, schools, communities - all stakeholders involved in shaping the lifestyle of an adolescent.

Palmeira articulated that '24h movement guidelines' are a comprehensive approach to combat obesity, but the success of these guidelines lies in their delivery. He stressed the necessity of personalized counseling, which takes into account each adolescent's unique circumstances and tailors advice and guidance accordingly.

Antonio Palmeira's participation in the roundtable at Jornadas da Pediatria do Hospital de Vila Franca de Xira was a testament to his dedication and commitment to improving adolescent health. His insightful talk on counseling Physical Activity behaviors was not only informative but also inspiring, encouraging all stakeholders to play their part in fostering healthier lifestyles for adolescents.

The roundtable ended on a hopeful note with Palmeira emphasizing that adolescent obesity is not an insurmountable problem. With right strategies like the 24h movement guidelines and collective efforts from all stakeholders, we can steer our adolescents towards a healthier, happier life.