RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND OBESITY IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN MEXICO NORTHERN

The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between levels of physical activity and obesity in elementary school students belonging to a state public school in the city of Chihuahua, Mexico. A descriptive, correlational and cross-sectional study was carried out, a sample was selected for convenience, 326 schoolchildren of 9 years of age (178 girls and 148 boys). The levels of Physical Activity (PA) were estimated through an interview, using the "The Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire" (GSLTPAQ) and to identify obesity the Body Mass Index (BMI) and the Waist Circumference (WC). The statistical analysis showed us negative bilateral Pearson correlations with significance between vigorous PA and BMI (r = -.139, p <= 0.050), as well as between WC (r = -.150, p <= 0.010). In addition, schoolchildren with obesity showed that they perform significantly less vigorous PA per week, when compared to those who are overweight (p <= 0.050), and those with normal weight (p <= 0.010). The results indicate that schoolchildren with higher BMI and WC, thus those with obesity significantly perform less vigorous PA per week. Consequently, it is necessary to promote vigorous physical activities inside and outside of school in this type of population, in order to prevent obesity.