The Relationship between Weight and Health Indicators in Young Children

Background: Obesity is a worldwide pathological epidemic, not only in adults but also in children. Obese children are less physically active; this might affect health indicators that are influenced by activity.

Aim: To examine the relationship between children`s weight and three health indicators in boys and girls: bone properties, muscle strength, and motor coordination.

Methods: The study’s sample consisted of second- and third-grade students (144 boys and 142 girls). Bone properties were measured at the distal radius and tibial shaft using Speed of Sound technology. Muscle strength was measured by: standing long-jump, vertical jump, static pull-up, and modified pull-up. Motor coordination was measured using the Kiphard-Schilling test for children (KTK).

Results: Obese children have lower measurements in the three health indicators. Obese boys and girls were characterized by lower bone properties in the tibia bone than were normal-weight children. Furthermore, obese boys and girls were significantly weaker than normal-weight boys and girls on the static pull-up test, modified pull-up test, and standing long-jump test, as well as on the KTK tests.

Discussion: Obese children tend to engage in physical activities less often and at a lower intensity than normal-weight children. Thus normal-weight children have more physical activity opportunities to strengthen their bones and their muscles and to improve motor coordination.

Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need to identify children who are obese and to refer them to programs aimed at enhancing health indicators.