The prevalence of pediatric obesity has doubled in the past 30 years. We examined the relationship between fitness (an indirect measure of physical activity and inactivity) and obesity. Physical fitness was measured by five tests to assess cardiovascular fitness, abdominal strength, flexibility, agility, and upper body strength, based on the Amateur Athletic Union and Cooper Institute standards. Body mass index [BMI; weight (kg)/height (m)2], was calculated from weight and height. In 1998 physical education teachers assessed 2293 students in grades 4-8 in an urban school district in the northeast (participation rate, 80.4%). 49% were male; 44% White, 33% African American, 14% Hispanic, and 9% Asian. 46% were eligible for free or reduced price meals. Mean BMI was 20.8 with a range of 12 to 47. 11% were obese and 28.2% were overweight. 41% did not meet the standard for one or more physical fitness test; 57 % passed and 2% achieved outstanding. Cardiovascular fitness and upper body strength were strongly inversely correlated with BMI. Mean BMI was significantly different among the three levels of physical fitness with a mean BMI of 21 in children who did not meet the standards and 18.8 in ‘outstanding’. The causes of obesity and poor fitness are multifactorial (crowding, diminished green space, lack of exercise, etc.) and solutions will require community wide attention to the problems and a public health approach to influence the determinants of fitness obesity.
Learning Objectives: After hearing this presentation the listener will understand the important relationship between body mass index and fitness
Keywords: Obesity, Children and Adolescents
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.