Independent and Combined Association of Lifestyle Behaviours and Physical Fitness with Body Weight Status in Schoolchildren

Abstract

(1) Background: Lifestyle behaviours and physical fitness play a critical role in the development of childhood obesity. It has been demonstrated in this study that self-reported physical fitness is representative of a healthy lifestyle and thus is associated with a lower incidence of overweight/obesity. The objective of this study was to analyse the independent and combined association of lifestyles (physical activity, screen time, diet and hours of sleep) and self-reported physical fitness with body weight in schoolchildren. (2) Methods: This study performed a descriptive and cross-sectional analysis. The study sample consisted of 864 schoolchildren between 8-9 years old from 26 schools of the province of Cadiz. To measure lifestyles and self-reported physical fitness, questionnaires were administered to both schoolchildren and families. To obtain the body weight status, the children were measured by body mass index (BMI). To verify the influence of lifestyles and self-reported physical fitness on the body weight status of schoolchildren, a combined score of lifestyles and self-reported physical fitness was calculated. (3) Results: Schoolchildren who followed healthier lifestyles and presented good physical fitness had a better body weight status (p < 0.001). Schoolchildren who had less healthful lifestyles and bad physical fitness had a 10.34 times higher risk of being overweight or obese (p = 0.004). (4) Conclusions: It has been shown that there is an independent and combined association between lifestyles and physical fitness on the body weight of the schoolchildren. We have suggested strategies to get children to adopt healthy lifestyles and good physical fitness to maintain a healthy body weight and prevent obesity.