Associação entre estado nutricional e atividade física em escolares da Rede Municipal de Ensino em Corumbá - MS

Abstract

A sedentary life style is a factor of risk for the development of overweight and childhood obesity, conditions associated with dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension and insulin resistance, among other disorders. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status and the association with the profile of physical activity in Municipal Schools in Corumbá - MS. A cross-sectional study was carried out in a sample of 403 pupils, aged 7-10 years, in which children with Body Mass Index (BMI) values ≥ 85th and ≤ 95th and ≥ 95th percentile were classified in risk of overweight and overweight, respectively. The index of physical activity was determined by a specific questionnaire for the study, to obtain data about duration (minutes), intensity (metabolic equivalent) and energy expenditure (kcalories) of both active and sedentary physical activities. A prevalence of 6.2% e 6.5% to risk of overweight and overweight, respectively, was verified, with higher prevalence in girls than in boys. Most physical activities performed by children were light (< 3 METs) and moderated (3 a 6 METs); no vigorous (> 6 METs) physical activity was recorded. The older the children, the lesser the time spent in active physical activities. Normal-weight children are more active, practice more intense physical activities and spend less time watching television and playing video-games than overweight children. The data emphasize the importance of promoting changes in the life-style through the introduction of healthy habits, since infancy, and their maintenance for the whole life. Active children favor an active healthy adult population too, which can contribute, consequently, for a reduction in the incidence of morbidity and mortality at adulthood.