Normal weight obesity and physical fitness in Chinese university students: an overlooked association.

ABSTRACT: The primary aim of this study was to examine the associations of normal weight obesity (NWO) with physical fitness in Chinese university students. As a secondary aim, we assessed whether possible differences in physical fitness between students classified as NWO and normal weight non-obese (NWNO) were mediated by skeletal muscles mass. A total of 383 students (205 males and 178 females, aged 18-24?years) from two universities volunteered to participate in this study. Body height and weight were measured by standard procedures and body composition was assessed by bio-impedance analysis (InBody 720). NWO was defined by a BMI of 18.5-23.9?kg/m2 and a body fat percentage of >?20% or?>?30% in male and female students, respectively. Physical fitness was measured using a 10-min intermittent endurance running test (Andersen test), countermovement jumps (CMJ) and a 5?×?5 m shuttle run test (5mSR). The level of leisure time physical activity (PA) was assessed by a questionnaire. 13.7% of male and 27.5% of female students were classified as NWO. Compared to NWNO, students classified as NWO showed a significantly poorer performance in the Andersen test (males: 1146?±?70?m vs. 1046?±?95?m, females: 968?±?61?m vs. 907?±?67?m, p?

SUBMITTER: Zhang M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6278052 | biostudies-other | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other