Differences in Physical Fitness According to Nutritional Status Among Rural Schoolchildren

Background: Childhood overweight and obesity are increasing public health concerns globally, with a high prevalence in Chile, particularly in rural areas. Excess weight may impair physical fitness, affecting children's overall health and development. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the physical fitness of schoolchildren with normal weight (NW) and overweight/obesity (OW/OB) from a rural school in Maule, Chile. Methods: A total of 87 students (boys and girls, aged 9-14 years) were evaluated and classified into NW and OW/OB groups based on their body mass index. Physical fitness was assessed using the 6 min walk test (6MWT) for cardiovascular endurance, handgrip strength (HGS) and squat jump (SJ) for muscular strength, 20 m sprint for speed, and 4 × 10 m shuttle run for agility. Results: Significant differences were found between groups in most physical fitness components. The NW group covered 11.13% more distance in the 6MWT than the OW/OB group (p < 0.001; d = 1.28). NW children also performed better in the 20 m sprint (p = 0.023; d = 1.02) and the 4 × 10 m shuttle run (p < 0.001; d = 0.72). SJ was higher in the NW group (p = 0.004; d = 0.45). No significant differences were found in HGS (p = 0.893; d = 0.01). Conclusions: Children with normal weight demonstrated better physical fitness compared to their overweight or obese peers. These findings support the need for targeted strategies to prevent overweight and obesity in rural schoolchildren to improve physical health and functional capacities.