Association between physical fitness and normal weight obesity in children and adolescents from Poland

Abstract

AbstractObjectivesNormal weight obesity (NWO) is defined as elevated adiposity, despite normal body mass index (BMI). The aim of this study was to compare the results of selected fitness parameters in Polish children and adolescents from Poland with and without normal weight obesity.MethodsThe study was cross‐sectional and school‐based. Body height, weight and adiposity, as well as the results of selected fitness tests, were obtained. BMI was calculated, and only normal‐weight individuals were included. NWO was defined as normal BMI with adiposity ≥85 percentile for age and sex.ResultsChildren with NWO tended to have better results of absolute dynamometric strength and overhead medicine ball throw. On the other hand, when the dynamometric strength was normalized for the body mass nonNWO group achieved better results. Furthermore, NWO group had lower explosive muscle strength of the lower limbs, agility, as well as abdominal muscle strength, and endurance.ConclusionsObtained results suggest that NWO is associated with a decrease in at least some fitness parameters in children and adolescents. Therefore, it can be hypothesized, that normal weight obesity can result in poorer fundamental motor skills. Moreover, as parameters such as muscle strength have been shown to be associated with cardiometabolic risks, described results can also be important in the context of the present and future health of the children. The results also highlight the importance of monitoring physical fitness and body composition in children, as individuals with NWO are almost indistinguishable from normal weight non‐obese counterparts based on current standard surveillance protocols.