Relationship of Physical Fitness to Prevalence and Incidence of Overweight among Schoolchildren

Abstract

Objectives: We examined the relationship between comprehensive fitness tests and overweight using a school surveillance system in a racially diverse city in the United States. Research Methods and Procedures: Trained physical education teachers measured weight, height, and fitness annually from 2001 to 2003. We compiled data for a cross‐sectional analysis (11, 845 measurements on 6297 students, 5 to14 years of age) and a 1‐year prospective analysis (4215 measurements on 2927 students not overweight at baseline, 5 to 13 years of age). Overweight was defined as a BMI ≥95th percentile (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2000 growth charts), and underfit was defined as failing at least one of five fitness tests: endurance run, abdominal strength, flexibility, upper body strength, and agility (Amateur Athletic Union and Fitnessgram). Associations between fitness and overweight were examined using multivariate logistic regression models, adjusting for sociodemographic status and repeated measurements over time. Results: The mean number of fitness tests passed was lower among students with a BMI above the 80th percentile. Overweight incidence over 1 year was 7% and 2% for underfit and fit girls, respectively (odds ratio, 3.3; 95% confidence interval, 2.0 to 5.6). Not passing either the endurance run or upper body strength test was associated with overweight incidence in both boys and girls. After adjusting for baseline BMI, the endurance run remained a significant predictor of incident overweight among girls (odds ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 3.5). Discussion: Findings support a cross‐sectional inverse relationship between physical fitness and overweight among school‐aged children. The direction of causation between fitness and overweight is not clearly established and merits further study.

Correlates of changes in BMI of children from the Azores islands

“…For example, Beets and Pitetti 29 in a cross-sectional study, revealed the existence of noticeable variation in 1-mile run/walk times and BMI in white non-Hispanics and their ethnic peers for both males and females between 10 and 15 years of age. Kim et al 14 have found, that not passing an endurance run test was associated with overweight incidence in both boys and girls, aged between 5-13 years. After adjusting for baseline BMI, the endurance run remained a significant predictor of incident overweight among girls.…”

“…After adjusting for baseline BMI, the endurance run remained a significant predictor of incident overweight among girls. 14 In a literature review about PA and cardiovascular fitness by Morrow and Freedson 41 it was concluded that there was a an average 0.16-0.17 correlation between the two, suggesting that other factors could be involved in the variability of PA and cardiovascular fitness. Although the link between PA and cardiovascular fitness is low to moderate at best, more active youths generally perform better on endurance tests (for example, 12-min run and 1-mile run/walk).…”

“…Utter et al 13 demonstrated that in New Zealand children aged 5-14 years old, physical activity (PA) was inversely associated with BMI. Kim et al 14 have also shown that passing rates in physical fitness tests were lower among students (5-13 years) with higher BMI. Graf et al 15 in their cross-sectional study showed that overweight and obesity were associated with poorer body gross motor coordination and endurance performance in primary school children.…”

Aptidão física relacionada à saúde de escolares com idade de 7 a 10 anos

“…Esses resultados são preocupantes, visto que, em um estudo realizado com crianças de 9 a 15 anos em Portugal, na Dinamarca e na Estônia, foi encontrada associação entre baixo nível de aptidão cardiorrespiratória e fatores de risco cardiovascular 25,26 . Além disso, a baixa aptidão aeróbia está associada a elevados índices de colesterol e triglicerídeos 27,28 , pressão arterial e sensibilidade à insulina desequilibradas 27,29 e maior risco de obesidade 30 . Essa realidade está presente no estudo efetuado com escolares de Porto Velho (RO), uma vez que 53,25% dos meninos e 63,76% das meninas encontram-se sedentários ou insuficientemente ativos 25 ; consequentemente, essas crianças apresentam uma maior predisposição a adquirir algum tipo de comorbidade referente a estas relacionadas à baixa aptidão aeróbia.…”

Pode o peso ao nascer influenciar o estado nutricional, os níveis de atividade física e a aptidão física relacionada à saúde de crianças e jovens?

“…Por outro lado, indivíduos com excesso de gordura corporal também apresentam níveis inferiores de aptidão física 28,33 . Um estudo longitudinal avaliou a relação entre excesso de peso e aptidão física em 6.287 crianças e adolescentes americanos entre 5 e 14 anos de idade no período de 2001 a 2003.…”