Korean J Obes.  2006 Mar;15(1):32-36.

The Effect of Obesity on the Physical Strength

• Kim HJ
• Lee KY
• Lee S
• Kim YJ
• Kim YJ
• Han SH
• Kong EH
• No MS

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity causes psychological problems and decreases physical strength. This study was designed to investigate the effect of childhood obesity on physical strength and social skills.
METHODS
In this study 140 elementary students from 4th to 6th grades were recruited from Busan. These students joined a 3-day sports program. The students' body mass index were measured and they were categorized into three different weight groups (normal, overweight, obese) according to the age and sex-specific BMI percentile established by the Korean Academy of Pediatrics. Physical strength such as muscle strength, balance, flexibility, muscle endurance, agility and social skills were examined.
RESULTS
Greater muscle strength was noted in the obese group compared to the normal weight group. The normal weight group had better agility level than the overweight or the obese group. Balance and muscle endurance were not significantly different between the three groups. In boys, flexibility was greater among the obese group than the normal or overweight groups. No significant difference in social skills was observed between the groups.
CONCLUSIONS
The characteristics of physical strength were different according to BMI. When planning future weight loss programs for children, different aspects of physical strength according to BMI levels should be taken into consideration to better enhance their health and social skills.

Keyword

Body mass index; Children; Obesity

MeSH Terms

Body Mass Index
Busan
Child
Humans
Muscle Strength
Obesity*
Overweight
Pediatric Obesity
Pediatrics
Pliability
Sports
Weight Reduction Programs