Evaluation of Physical Fitness of Overweight Children in Dakar Region

According to the WHO estimations nearly 43 million children are overweight. This excess weight exposed to cardiovascular complications. However, regular physical activity improves leads the body weight lost with reduced cardiovascular risks in obese subjects. Our aim was to evaluate the physical fitness of overweight young students comparing their maximal oxygen consumption with those of normal weight colleagues. Forty students (n = 14 girls and 26 boys) , aged on average 10.5 ± 1.1 years, weighted 50.2 ± 17.2 kg and for a mean height of 149.7 ± 9. 0 cm were selected. They were divided into two groups according to body mass index (BMI).First group (G1) consisted by 13 girls and 7 boys with a BMI greater than 25 kg/m2 and other subjects (n = 13 girls and 7 boys) having a normal BMI (15-18 kg/m2) formed the group 2 (G2). Cooper and Ruffier tests were performed in our study population. Results showed that max V02 was significantly reduced in overweight students compared to others individuals (6.5 ± 2.1 ≠ 14. 5 ± 2. 2 ml / kg / min respectively). However, the IR was significantly more elongated in group G1 than to group G2. Excess weight could be a limiting factor of oxygen consumption and a good recovery; hence we recommended regular physical activities in overweight subjects for improve their physical fitness and reduce cardiovascular risks linked to obesity.