Abstract
Background. The physical activity transition is contributing to an increase in childhood obesity and a decrease in fitness worldwide. This study compared body composition and fitness measures in children from three countries and examined intercountry differences in the relationship between these variables. Methods. Participants consisted of 736 Canadian, 193 Mexican, and 179 Kenyan children aged 9–13 years. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, triceps skinfolds, aerobic fitness, and muscular fitness were measured. Linear regression was used to examine associations between variables. Results. The prevalence of obesity was the highest in Mexican children (9.2% boys, 8.4% girls) and the lowest in Kenyan children (0.9% boys, 2.8% girls). Aerobic fitness (VO2max in mL/kg/min) was the highest in Kenyan children (50.2 boys, 46.7 girls) and the lowest in Canadian children (41.3 boys, 38.3 girls). Aerobic fitness was negatively associated with body composition measures irrespective of country and sex. Mexican children with low aerobic fitness had higher body composition measures than Canadian and Kenyan children. Muscular fitness was not associated with the body composition measures in Kenyan children but was a weak positive correlate of BMI and waist circumference in Canadian and Mexican children. Conclusion. The current study provides some evidence to support the physical activity transition hypothesis.
Highlights
Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions [1]
The objectives of this study were to (1) compare body composition, aerobic fitness, and muscular fitness measures in children from three countries that currently sit at different stages of the nutrition and physical activity transitions (Canada-end stages, Mexico-mid stages, and Kenya-early stages) and (2) to examine the intercountry differences in the relationships between body composition and fitness measures
There were no differences between Canadian and Mexican children for these three body composition measures with the exception of waist circumference, which was higher in Mexican boys
Summary
Increases in weight and adiposity at the population level were first observed in high-income Western countries [2] Research has linked these body composition changes to the nutrition and physical activity transitions which are characterized by an increased consumption of refined and processed foods and decreased levels of physical activity and are closely associated with social and economic changes impacting urbanization, food systems, labour demands, and transportation choices [2,3,4,5]. Mexican children with low aerobic fitness had higher body composition measures than Canadian and Kenyan children. Muscular fitness was not associated with the body composition measures in Kenyan children but was a weak positive correlate of BMI and waist circumference in Canadian and Mexican children. The current study provides some evidence to support the physical activity transition hypothesis
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: 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.
