[Physical fitness level and its relationship with body weight status in school children].

Objective: To explore and establish possible relationships between body weight status and fitness level in a sample of primary school children.

Methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional study. A total of 216 students (125 women 8-11 years) participated in the assessment of weight, height and physical condition. The body weight status (normal-weight, overweight and obesity) was categorized according to international standards.

Results: males have on average higher values in the running test 4x10 meters, manual dynamometry, longitudinal jump and Course-Navette. Women show a higher tendency to exceed healthy weight. The analysis showed that a high level of fitness is directly associated with normal weight status (p <.01).

Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that students who have higher fitness levels are more likely to have a body weight status within normal parameters. Programs promoting physical activity, aimed to improve fitness, and thus the body status need to be implemented. Increasing physical education time at school or conducting educational programs focused on nutrition can be effective measures to improve overall health.