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Energy consumption, body composition and physical activity levels in 11- to 13-year-old Spanish children
Alfredo Cordova1, Gerardo Villa, Antoni Sureda
1Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular y Fisiología, Facultad de Fisioterapia, Universidad de Valladolid, Soria, Spain.
Insights
Higher physical activity in children improves weight status and body composition. Dietary habits did not differ, emphasizing the need for increased energy expenditure to combat childhood obesity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Sports Medicine
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Childhood overweight and obesity prevalence is rising globally.
- Understanding the interplay of physical activity and diet is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between physical activity levels, energy intake, and weight status in Spanish children.
- To identify key factors influencing pediatric obesity risk.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 137 Spanish children (aged 11-13) were categorized into sedentary, active, and sporty groups based on physical activity.
- Evaluated body composition, physical fitness, and assessed total caloric and macronutrient intake.
Main Results:
- Active children exhibited lower weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, skinfold thickness, and body fat percentage.
- Increased physical activity correlated with higher body water content and greater caloric expenditure.
- No significant differences were observed in nutritional habits or total energy intake across activity groups.
Conclusions:
- Elevated physical activity is linked to more favorable anthropometric profiles in children.
- Dietary habits alone did not explain weight status differences; physical activity is a key determinant.
- Increasing weekly energy expenditure through physical activity is vital for preventing childhood overweight and obesity.
Background/Aims:
The prevalence of overweight and obesity in childhood is increasing markedly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between physical activity, energy consumption and weight status in a cohort of Spanish children.
Methods:
A total of 137 children (11-13 years old) participated in the study voluntarily (with paternal consent). Children were classified into 3 groups according to their physical activity, i.e. sedentary, active and sporty groups. Body composition measures, physical fitness and total caloric and macronutrient intake were determined.
Results:
Weight, body mass index, waist circumference, skinfold thickness measures and body fat percentage of children were lower in the active children, whereas body water content increased with activity. Nutritional habits were similar in the 3 studied groups. No significant differences in total energy intake or percentage of carbohydrates, fat and proteins were found. All parameters related to caloric expenditure were higher in children carrying out more physical activity.
Conclusions:
Children with higher levels of physical activity presented more favorable anthropometric profiles, but there were no differences in respect to their dietary habits. An increase in weekly energy expenditure through physical activity outside school seems essential to prevent overweight and the risk of childhood obesity.
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