Energy Consumption, Body Composition and Physical Activity Levels in 11- to 13-Year-Old Spanish Children

Abstract

Background/Aims: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in childhood is increasing markedly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between physical activity, energy consumption and weight status in a cohort of Spanish children. Methods: A total of 137 children (11-13 years old) participated in the study voluntarily (with paternal consent). Children were classified into 3 groups according to their physical activity, i.e. sedentary, active and sporty groups. Body composition measures, physical fitness and total caloric and macronutrient intake were determined. Results: Weight, body mass index, waist circumference, skinfold thickness measures and body fat percentage of children were lower in the active children, whereas body water content increased with activity. Nutritional habits were similar in the 3 studied groups. No significant differences in total energy intake or percentage of carbohydrates, fat and proteins were found. All parameters related to caloric expenditure were higher in children carrying out more physical activity. Conclusions: Children with higher levels of physical activity presented more favorable anthropometric profiles, but there were no differences in respect to their dietary habits. An increase in weekly energy expenditure through physical activity outside school seems essential to prevent overweight and the risk of childhood obesity.

Effects of a 12-week-long program of vigorous-intensity physical activity on the body composition of 6-and 7-year-old children

“…In the same vein, Cordova et al (2013) studied a sample of 137 children aged 11 to 13 and found that the children who were more physically active had lower BMI and fat mass percentage, results consistent with the present study. Nevertheless, Arriscado et al (2015) analyzed a sample of 329 schoolchildren (aged 11 and 12 years) and found no significant relation between physical activity and body composition, unlike in the present study.…”

Effects of a 12-week-long program of vigorous-intensity physical activity on the body composition of 10-and 11-year-old children

“…As Cordova et al (2013) noted, there is an increased prevalence of obesity during childhood, which can also lead to chronic diseases related to inactivity and obesity in adulthood. Currently childhood obesity is one of the major concerns regarding long-term health (Duncan et al, 2006).…”

Hubungan Aktivitas Fisik dengan Usia Menarche pada Anak SMPK 1 Surakarta

“…Begitu juga sebaliknya, pada perempuan yang melakukan aktivitas fisik yang tinggi dapat menunda usia menarche mereka.1 Menurut Ajita dan Jiwanjot pada tahun 2014, atlet perempuan memiliki usia menarche yang cenderung terlambat [9]. Berbagai mekanisme dapat mendasari pengaruh aktivitas fisik terhadap usia menarche seseorang, seperti terganggunya sekresi Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormon (GnRH) oleh karena stres fisik, komposisi tubuh, kadar leptin dalam darah, dan sebagainya [11].…”