PREVALENCE OF EXCESS WEIGHT IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS PARTICIPATING OF A SPORTS PROJECT IN MACEIÓ, AL, BRAZIL

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to describe the prevalence of excess weight in children and adolescents participating of a sports project in the city of Maceió, AL, Brazil. Material and Methods: The sample consisted of 381 children and adolescents of both gender aged 7 to 16 years. Participants underwent weight and height measurements to have their Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated. The rates of excess weight (overweight and obesity) were classified considering the age and gender. Descriptive analysis was performed for the independent variables: age, gender and sport. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the sample was found to be 21.16% and 7.87%, respectively, which was considered to be a high prevalence of excessive weight in the children and adolescents (29.13%). The results showed that children had higher rates compared to adolescents. The prevalence of excessive weight in the boys was higher than that observed in the girls. In addition, higher excessive weight frequencies were detected in the practitioners of futsal and swimming. Conclusion: These results reveal the need for interventional actions for health protection of the children and adolescents of the sports project. DESCRIPTORS Overweight. Obesity. Child. Adolescent.