Abstract
Background: One of the components affecting the level of health is physical fitness and diets, which is also considered the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. Methods: Samples by survey ranged from 871 to 1,417 (boys) and from 843 to 1,326 (girls). Speed (5 m run), agility (figure-8-run), explosive power (vertical jump), flexibility (stand and reach) and cardiovascular fitness (step test) were measured. The Body Mass Index (BMI) of each student was classified as Thin, Normal weight or Overweight/Obese (Owt/Ob) relative to International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) criteria. Fitness items were compared among weight status groups and across surveys with sex-specific analyses of covariance. Regressions of each fitness item on the BMI in the four surveys were done using linear and nonlinear quadratic models. Results: Performances on all fitness tests except flexibility were poorer among Owt/Ob compared to Normal and Thin youth, but performances on fitness tests within weight status groups did not differ consistently across surveys. Conclusions: Relationships between the BMI and fitness tests varied across surveys, but suggested reasonably consistent cur-vilinear relationships between fitness tests and the BMI among boys more so than girls.
Highlights
The lifestyle changes associated with diets of fast foods, reduced physical activity and increased sedentary behaviors are often indicated as major factors associated with the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents (Hu, 2011; Lobstein et al, 2004)
Reduced habitual physical activity and increased sedentary time are associated with declines in physical fitness, while overweight and obesity are associated with reduced levels of fitness, especially items which require the projection or movement of the body as in jumps and runs (Arnaoutis et al, 2018; Chwałczyńska et al, 2017; Fairchild et al, 2016; Huang & Malina, 2007; Lopes et al, 2012)
Reduced body mass reflected in a low Body Mass Index (BMI) may negatively influence fitness, but studies addressing the relationship between thinness and fitness are relatively limited (Bovet et al, 2007; Xu et al, 2020)
Summary
The lifestyle changes associated with diets of fast foods, reduced physical activity and increased sedentary behaviors (physical inactivity) are often indicated as major factors associated with the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents (Hu, 2011; Lobstein et al, 2004). Results generally suggest a curvilinear relationship; children and youth with a normal BMI tend to have better results in several fitness items compared to those with a low or high BMI (Huang & Malina, 2007, 2010; Kwieciński et al, 2018; Lopes et al, 2019; Zenić et al, 2013). Results: Performances on all fitness tests except flexibility were poorer among Owt/Ob compared to Normal and Thin youth, but performances on fitness tests within weight status groups did not differ consistently across surveys. Conclusions: Relationships between the BMI and fitness tests varied across surveys, but suggested reasonably consistent cur-vilinear relationships between fitness tests and the BMI among boys more so than girls
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