Investigation on Body Mass Index and Health Related Physical Fitness in Saudi Girls and Adolescents Aged 8-15 Years

The present study was aimed to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and
Health-related physical fitness (HRPF)in a national cross-sectional sample of Saudi girls and
adolescents.
Methods: Weight, height and four components of HRPF (body fat composition, strength and
endurance, flexibility and cardio-respiratory fitness) were measured in three age groups [(8-10), (11-
12) and (13-15) years]. Pearson correlation coefficient and regressions analysis using a non-linear
quadratic model were used to evaluate the relationship between BMI and HRPF in the three age
groups.
Results: The results revealed variable relationships among tests. Lower scores in body fat
composition and cardio-respiratory fitness were associated with higher body mass indexes in each
age group. Also lower scores in muscle strength and endurance were recorded in girls aged from 11
to 15 years. Relationships between BMI and flexibility differed among age groups.
Conclusion: BMI significantly and differentially influenced individual HRPF, but effects varied with
age. Higher body mass indexes were generally associated with lower HRPF. The level of HRPF
determined by this study may serve as an indicator of potential health risks that overweight and obese
children' girls and adolescents faced.