Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia (Mar 2008)

Associações entre atividade física, índice de massa corporal e comportamentos sedentários em adolescentes Associations between physical activity, body mass index, and sedentary behaviors in adolescents

  • Kelly Samara da Silva,
  • Markus Vinicius Nahas,
  • Luana Peter Hoefelmann,
  • Adair da Silva Lopes,
  • Elusa Santina de Oliveira

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1415-790X2008000100015
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 1
pp. 159 – 168

Abstract

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OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a associação do índice de massa corporal (IMC) com os níveis de atividade física (AF) e comportamentos sedentários (assistir TV, usar computador ou jogar videogames) em adolescentes de escolas públicas do Estado de Santa Catarina (15-19 anos; n = 5.028). MÉTODOS: As informações foram coletadas por meio de questionário desenvolvido e validado para adolescentes. Foram considerados insuficientemente ativos, os jovens que não acumulavam pelo menos 300 minutos/semana de atividades físicas moderadas ou vigorosas. Considerou-se para o uso excessivo de TV e computador/games um tempo > 2 horas/dia; para excesso de peso corporal, utilizou-se a tabela internacional de IMC para adolescentes. RESULTADOS: O excesso de peso corporal foi mais prevalente entre os rapazes (12,7% vs 7,9%, pOBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the associations of body mass index (BMI) with physical activity, sedentary behaviors (TV, computer/videogames) in a representative sample (n=5,028) of adolescents (15-19 years) in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. METHODS: Data was collected using a validated health behavior questionnaire developed for adolescents. Excess body weight was determined according to the international BMI tables developed for adolescents. Students were classified as not being physically active if they reported having less than 300 minutes of moderate/vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week. Two or more hours a day was considered excess screen time (TV, computer, games). RESULTS: Excess body weight was more prevalent (p<0.001) among boys (12.7%) than girls (7.9%), but inadequate physical activity was more prevalent (p<0.001) among girls (37%) than boys (21%). Less active boys had a greater chance (74%) of having excess body weight when compared to active ones. Among girls, those belonging to families with lower income (OR=1.85) and living in urban areas (OR=2.22) were at greater risk of having excess body weight. An inadequate level of physical activity was seen among boys with excess screen time or excess body weight. Also, working girls were more likely (54%) of being less active. CONCLUSIONS: Excess body weight was more prevalent among boys, although they were more active than girls. For boys, excess body weight was inversely associated with physical activity, while, for girls, it was more prevalent among those with lower income and who lived in urban areas.

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