Independent and Combined Association of Lifestyle Behaviours and Physical Fitness with Body Weight Status in Schoolchildren

Abstract

(1) Background: Lifestyle behaviours and physical fitness play a critical role in the development of childhood obesity. It has been demonstrated in this study that self-reported physical fitness is representative of a healthy lifestyle and thus is associated with a lower incidence of overweight/obesity. The objective of this study was to analyse the independent and combined association of lifestyles (physical activity, screen time, diet and hours of sleep) and self-reported physical fitness with body weight in schoolchildren. (2) Methods: This study performed a descriptive and cross-sectional analysis. The study sample consisted of 864 schoolchildren between 8–9 years old from 26 schools of the province of Cádiz. To measure lifestyles and self-reported physical fitness, questionnaires were administered to both schoolchildren and families. To obtain the body weight status, the children were measured by body mass index (BMI). To verify the influence of lifestyles and self-reported physical fitness on the body weight status of schoolchildren, a combined score of lifestyles and self-reported physical fitness was calculated. (3) Results: Schoolchildren who followed healthier lifestyles and presented good physical fitness had a better body weight status (p < 0.001). Schoolchildren who had less healthful lifestyles and bad physical fitness had a 10.34 times higher risk of being overweight or obese (p = 0.004). (4) Conclusions: It has been shown that there is an independent and combined association between lifestyles and physical fitness on the body weight of the schoolchildren. We have suggested strategies to get children to adopt healthy lifestyles and good physical fitness to maintain a healthy body weight and prevent obesity.

Overweight and Obesity: The Interplay of Eating Habits and Physical Activity

“…Moschonis et al [ 1 ] also showed that the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents was significantly higher in southern European countries (i.e., Greece and Spain), where it was reaching 32%. This is in line with the prevalence of 35.2% and 38% reported by Aragon-Matin et al [ 2 ] and Oliveira et al [ 3 ], respectively, for school-aged Spanish children. Similar findings also apply to other parts of the world, with the study of Tan et al [ 4 ] showing that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among young adults in Malaysia was 39.8% before the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing to 41.5% during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

“…Fats, especially unsaturated fats, consumed through unprocessed foods that are also micronutrient rich, are an important part of a balanced diet and likely do not need to be restricted to maintain a “healthy” body weight. In relation, the frequency of eating and meal timing may play a role in weight status, with Aragon-Matin et al [ 2 ] reporting that consuming breakfast more regularly was positively associated with better body weight status in schoolchildren.…”

“…Exercise can also improve physical fitness and result in a host of benefits such as improved mood and decreased risk of chronic disease. Aragon-Matin et al [ 2 ] found that following healthier lifestyles and having good physical fitness, measured by the international fitness scale, was associated with healthier body weight status in schoolchildren. Likewise, unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and poor physical fitness increased the risk of being overweight or obese ten-fold.…”

“…Likewise, unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and poor physical fitness increased the risk of being overweight or obese ten-fold. Aragon-Matin et al [ 2 ] deemed breakfast consumption, fruit and vegetables, participation in school physical education and extra-curricular sports activities, and adequate sleep as healthy lifestyle behaviors. In contrast, consuming foods outside the home, consuming processed baked goods, fried foods, snacks, sugary soft drinks, and screen time were considered unhealthy lifestyle behaviors.…”

Perceived Quality of Life Is Related to a Healthy Lifestyle and Related Outcomes in Spanish Children and Adolescents: The Physical Activity, Sedentarism, and Obesity in Spanish Study

“…Physical fitness was associated with weight status, which means that a poor physical fitness was associated with an increased risk of being overweight or obese [20]. Children living with being overweight or with obesity can enhance their cognitive abilities by promoting physical activity within the school and community; moreover, it has been demonstrated that school-based dietary interventions can be positive on academic performance [17].…”