Body Composition and Physical Fitness in Madeira Youth

Background: Research on composition and physical fitness is lacking in school-aged children from Madeira. This study aimed to examine the frequencies of overweight and obese participants and, in addition, to compare the fitness levels of Madeira youth with reference data. Methods: The sample comprised 521 participants (n = 258 boys; n = 263 girls) aged 10.0-18.9 years old. Methods: Height and weight were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and percent fat was derived from skinfolds. Tests detailed on FITESCOLA battery were performed. BMI was plotted against U.S. reference data and physical assessment contrasted with the cut-off points of FITESCOLA protocol and corresponding data developed in Portuguese youth. Results: The percentages of overweight and obesity were 15% (overweight) and 14% (obesity) for boys and 16% (overweight) and 6% (obesity) for girls. The median values of fat mass percentage were closely related to the cut-off standards; however, substantial variation was noted. Boys and girls tended to be below the recommendations of cardiorespiratory fitness. Conclusions: Sport participation should be promoted in Madeira to attain acceptable values of body composition and physical fitness levels.

Automated summary

This study aimed to examine the frequencies of overweight and obesity among school-aged children in Madeira and compare their fitness levels with reference data. The study found that the percentages of overweight and obesity were 15% and 14% for boys, and 16% and 6% for girls, respectively. Furthermore, both boys and girls tended to have lower levels of cardiorespiratory fitness compared to the recommended standards. Therefore, promoting sports participation in Madeira is important to improve body composition and physical fitness levels.