Physical Fitness and Health Profile of Adolescents Living in Amazonas.

BACKGROUND

Physical fitness is an indicator of health in young populations. The aim of this study was to assess the health profile of adolescents living in the interior of the state of Amazonas, Brazil.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 1332 adolescents (701 girls) aged between 10 and 15 years. Body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio were the attributes used to assess anthropometric markers of body size. Physical fitness tests from the PROESP-Br battery were used to assess muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness.

RESULTS

The results indicate high prevalences of overweight and obesity, with 25% for boys and 23.1% for girls. In addition, around 50% of the adolescents had insufficient levels of cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength. Boys showed a higher prevalence of a healthy risk profile in the different physical fitness tests in all municipalities.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this research are fundamental for the specific development of policies and strategies to promote health in young people with these social and geographical characteristics. The assessment of physical fitness in a school context can contribute to the development of public health policies for these populations, especially in communities with low economic resources.