College physical education: an unrecognized agent of change in combating inactivity-related diseases.

Physical activity patterns during the young adult years are likely to be important influences on habitual physical activity during overall adult life and, consequently, have significant implications for long-term health outcomes. The potential reach and impact of college physical education on the promotion of physical activity to a large segment of the American population has been largely unrecognized. Over the last generation, many colleges and universities have reduced or eliminated their physical education requirements. Nonetheless, physical education can make important contributions in the primary prevention of inactivity-related chronic diseases and to the general education of the college student. Awareness and advocacy are needed to strengthen college physical education programs.