Abstract
Despite the health-related implications of normal-weight obesity in children, very little research has explored the fundamental associations between this status and important long-term health parameters. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the physical fitness of children with normal-weight obesity, in comparison to normal-weight non obese and overweight and obese counterparts. A total of 328 middle-school-aged children (9.8 ± 0.5 y) took part in this study (n = 44 normal-weight obese; n = 237; normal-weight non obese; n = 47 overweight and obese). Height, weight, and body-fatness were measured. Four physical fitness tests were conducted: (1) Multistage fitness test; (2) shuttle run 4 × 10 m; (3) sit-ups for 60 s; (4) the broad jump. Welch’s analysis of variance (ANOVA), stratified by sex, with post-hoc testing where necessary, was performed. Children with normal-weight obesity had significantly (p < 0.01) lower cardio-respiratory and muscular fitness than normal-weight non obese peers. In addition, normal-weight obese and overweight and obese boys had comparable deficits in strength and explosiveness of lower limbs, speed coordination, and endurance, compared to normal-weight non obese counterparts. Normal-weight obese children appear to have similar deficits in PF as their overweight and obese peers, compared to normal-weight non obese counterparts, whilst boys had larger deficits than girls.
Highlights
Physical fitness (PF) developed throughout childhood is well recognised as an important health parameter [1], where low levels can lead to an increased incidence of metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors, and coronary artery disease, respectively [2]
Post Hoc comparisons revealed that children who were normal-weight non obese were significantly shorter, lighter and had a significantly lower body mass index (BMI) compared to peers who were overweight and obese
Children who were normal-weight obese were significantly lighter and had a lower BMI compared to overweight and obese counterparts; only girls who were normal-weight obese were significantly shorter than girls who were overweight and obese
Summary
Physical fitness (PF) developed throughout childhood is well recognised as an important health parameter [1], where low levels can lead to an increased incidence of metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors, and coronary artery disease, respectively [2]. Stodden et al [3], conceptualised the relationship between health, physical fitness, physical (in)activity, and motor competencies, therein describing developmental mechanisms influencing physical activity trajectories of children. In this model, physical inactivity is connected with low levels of physical fitness and low levels of motor competence (effectively solving motor tasks), resulting in a higher risk of obesity and its negative health consequences. Public Health 2020, 17, 9198; doi:10.3390/ijerph17249198 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
