Effects of cardiorespiratory fitness and body mass index on cardiometabolic risk factors in schoolchildren

Abstract

Introduction: High levels of physical fitness established in childhood and adolescence have been associated with positive effects on cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF), persisting into adulthood. Conversely, high rates of a sedentary lifestyle, overweight, and obesity in this period have been considered a public health problem, because these conditions tend to worsen in adulthood, increasing the incidence of chronic diseases, deterioration of CMRF, and consequently increasing comorbidities and mortality. Objective: To verify the effect of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and body mass index (BMI) on CMRF in children and adolescents. Methods: The sample was composed of 49 schoolchildren of both sexes aged 10-17 years. Anthropometric assessments, CRF test, muscle strength test, and blood pressure (BP) measurement were performed. Participants were allocated into groups according to BMI (eutrophic, overweight, obese) and CRF (low-fit, normal-fit, and high-fit) levels. Results: Obese individuals had lower CRF values compared to eutrophic and overweight groups. The cardiometabolic risk (CMRP) was significantly higher in the obese group when compared to the normal group, but without difference in relation to the overweight group. The Hight-fit group had lower CMRF values compared to the Low-fit group. Conclusions: Higher BMI and CRF values had negative and positive effects on CMRF and CMRP in schoolchildren, respectively. Overweight or obese schoolchildren with low fitness levels constitute an unfavorable cardiometabolic health risk profile.