<p>Nearly 23 per cent of the 4,098 children surveyed countrywide in the age group of five to 14 years had high BMI, while 19 per cent had low BMI ratios. Together a whopping 42 per cent of children surveyed did not possess ideal BMI ratios.<br /><br />BMI is a key indicator of overall fitness and is related directly to obesity-related malaise. On the other hand, low BMI ratios have direct correlation to immunity-related malaise. <br />As per the study, 25 percent of children above eight years are obese or over-weight and 18 percent in the age of seven years and below.<br /><br />No difference<br /><br />The study revealed no significant difference in fitness levels among children in metros and non-metros, nor between boys and girls. Fifty four per cent of children in metros had right BMI and 57 per cent in non-metros had right BMI. <br /><br />The study was built into the curriculum of 21 schools in 15 cities. It involved a cross-sectional study across 4098 children (2,200 boys and 1,898 girls). <br /><br />Children were measured on Body Mass Index, aerobic (measured by making children run/walk for 600 meters) and anaerobic capacities (making children cover a 30 meter sprint), Muscle strength (measured by Sit & Reach activity, Sit Ups, Standing Long Jump), endurance and flexibility. Reshma Nayak, Programme leader, Yenepoya School, <br />Mangalore (a school that participated in the study) said lifestyles of children have become more passive and space constraints in cities have resulted in children not having an opportunity to play enough and becoming prone to health hazards.<br /><br />In-curriculum<br /><br />However, a nine month, in-curriculum,controlled fitness-led physical education program in their respective schools on 667 children,showed improvement on fitness indicators assessed on like endurance, abdominal strength, increase in percentage of children with right BMI and flexibility. This programme incorporated components related to both fitness and skills. <br /></p>
<p>Nearly 23 per cent of the 4,098 children surveyed countrywide in the age group of five to 14 years had high BMI, while 19 per cent had low BMI ratios. Together a whopping 42 per cent of children surveyed did not possess ideal BMI ratios.<br /><br />BMI is a key indicator of overall fitness and is related directly to obesity-related malaise. On the other hand, low BMI ratios have direct correlation to immunity-related malaise. <br />As per the study, 25 percent of children above eight years are obese or over-weight and 18 percent in the age of seven years and below.<br /><br />No difference<br /><br />The study revealed no significant difference in fitness levels among children in metros and non-metros, nor between boys and girls. Fifty four per cent of children in metros had right BMI and 57 per cent in non-metros had right BMI. <br /><br />The study was built into the curriculum of 21 schools in 15 cities. It involved a cross-sectional study across 4098 children (2,200 boys and 1,898 girls). <br /><br />Children were measured on Body Mass Index, aerobic (measured by making children run/walk for 600 meters) and anaerobic capacities (making children cover a 30 meter sprint), Muscle strength (measured by Sit & Reach activity, Sit Ups, Standing Long Jump), endurance and flexibility. Reshma Nayak, Programme leader, Yenepoya School, <br />Mangalore (a school that participated in the study) said lifestyles of children have become more passive and space constraints in cities have resulted in children not having an opportunity to play enough and becoming prone to health hazards.<br /><br />In-curriculum<br /><br />However, a nine month, in-curriculum,controlled fitness-led physical education program in their respective schools on 667 children,showed improvement on fitness indicators assessed on like endurance, abdominal strength, increase in percentage of children with right BMI and flexibility. This programme incorporated components related to both fitness and skills. <br /></p>
