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

• DOI: 10.1038/oby.2005.148
• Publication Date: 2008-04-21T21:50:42Z
• Authors: Juhee Kim; Aviva Must; Garrett M. Fitzma...; Matthew W. Gillman; Virginia Chomitz; Ellen Kramer; Robert McGowan; Karen E. Peterson
• Keywords: Male; Adolescent; Incidence; 4. Education; Body Mass Index; 3. Good health; Cohort Studies; 03 medical and health sciences; Cross-Sectional Studies; Logistic Models; 0302 clinical medicine; Massachusetts; Physical Fitness; Confidence Intervals; Odds Ratio; Prevalence; Humans; Female; Obesity; Prospective Studies; Child; Exercise

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