Relationship between BMI and physical fitness in college-age males: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to analyse the association between BMI and fitness performance. The 117 male college students were divided into four groups according to their BMI: Underweight (UWG), normal weight (NWG), overweight (OVWG) and obese (OBWG). They performed five tests: One minute Sit-Up test (SU), one minute Push-Up test (PU), Standing Long Jump test (SLJ), 4x10 Shuttle Run test (SHR) and 1km Run test (1KM). OBWG scores were poorer than OVWG scores, whilst OVWG scores were poorer than those attained by UWG and NWG. There were only significant differences between UWG and NWG in PU. BMI correlated negatively with SU, PU, SLJ and 1KM, and positively with SHR. The BMI peak performance for each test was, SU (19.35±3.39); PU (17.63±1.49); SLJ (20.15±3.1); SHR
(20.71±3.03); KM (20.62±3.63). College age males with a BMI lower than 25 have a better fitness level than overweight and obese  counterparts. Hence, fitness test standards should be designed considering not only age and gender, but also BMI.

Keywords: BMI; Physical fitness tests; College-age males