Physical activity and weight status of children in Germany: cross-sectional results from the MoMo Wave 3 (2018-2020)

Childhood physical activity (PA) plays a critical role in preventing obesity and supporting overall health. This study investigates the prevalence of weight status categories and their association with organized and unorganized PA among 6- to 17-year-old children in Germany using MoMo Wave 3 (2018-2020). Cross-sectional data from MoMo Wave 3 (2018-2020) were analyzed to examine associations between weight status and PA. A total of 1983 participants (age: 11.6 ± 3.4 years, 52.3% male) completed a questionnaire and had anthropometric measurements taken, including height and weight. Statistical comparisons between normal-weight children and those classified as underweight or overweight based on their body mass index focused on their participation in organized and unorganized PA. Linear and logistic regressions were used for statistical analysis. Among the participants, 3.0% were severely underweight, 5.8% were underweight, 7.2% were overweight, and 4.6% were obese. Participants classified as underweight (ꞵ = - .084; p < .001) and overweight (ꞵ = - .045; p = .042) spent less time in organized PA compared to normal weights. Overweight participants were less likely to participate in unorganized PA (OR = .64, p = .003). No significant differences were observed in the duration of unorganized PA among those who participated, regardless of weight status.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity has remained consistently high in recent years. Tailored interventions should address the specific barriers faced by both underweight and overweight children to enhance their participation in PA and improve health outcomes across diverse groups.

• Children with overweight or obesity are less physically active than their normal-weight peers, underweight children are often as physically active as those with normal weight.

• Children with overweight and underweight show less organized physical activities compared to their normal-weight peers. • Although overweight children engaged less frequently in unorganized physical activities, those who did participated for a similar duration as normal-weight children.