title: The association of physical fitness with body mass index and waist circumference in Filipino preadolescents.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study is are to examine the association of preadolescent obesity using body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) with health-related physical fitness components.
  
  
  METHODS
  Grades 4 to 6 students in 2 private schools in Manila were included in this study. Height, weight, WC, and BMI were obtained. Physical fitness field tests were sit-and-reach test, 1-minute sit-ups, standing broad jump, 40-m sprint, and 20-m shuttle run.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Obese subjects had poorer scores in the field tests except in the sit-and-reach test. BMI and WC were significantly negatively associated with all the physical fitness parameters, except for the 40-m sprint where positive correlation was observed, and in the sit-and-reach test where no correlation was seen.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the management of preadolescent overweight and obesity, exercise programs should therefore be designed toward enhancing these fitness parameters, while not sacrificing enjoyment and creativity.
authors.affiliation: University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines. bebetsuarez@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Consuelo B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Gonzalez-Suarez
authors.forename: Nenita
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Caralipio
authors.forename: Ephraim
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gambito
authors.forename: Josephine Joy
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Reyes
authors.forename: Reil Vinard
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Espino
authors.forename: Ramon
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Macatangay
mesh_terms: D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D010679:Philippines / Q000453:epidemiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D055105:Waist Circumference / Q000502:physiology*