Physical Activity Patterns vs Sedentary Behaviours, Awareness of Recommendations and Overweight in Physically Active Male Brazilian Adolescents – The Fit Food Study
Authors: Machado Rachel HV , Iglesia Iris , Silva Joice Santana , Neto Amanda Barbosa , Hartwick Carol Anne , Pires Ana , Fisberg Mauro , Moreno Luis 
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Puberty is a sensitive period for the maintenance of bone mass stocks and prevention of future chronic diseases, such as obesity and fractures. Practice of physical activity (PA) in youth, coupled with a healthy diet and lifestyle, is crucial to bone health and weight maintenance, but have been reported to be decreasing worldwide, in preference to sedentary activities.

Objectives

To characterize the physical activity patterns, sedentary behaviours, nutritional status and awareness of recommendations of PA in male Brazilian adolescents, and to verify the impact of sedentary activities on PA levels and overweight.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study with 1.190 Brazilian teens aged 10–12, enrolled in a soccer competition, after parental consent. Means of transportation to get to school, PA during school recess, total daily screen time and screen time during mealtimes (minutes) (WHO 2014), awareness of PA recommendations, Body Mass Index (BMI, WHO 2007) and total weekly PA in minutes (WHO 2014) were assessed through a self‐administered questionnaire, based on a validated tool (Stralen et al, 2011). General Linear Model, t‐ Student test and chi‐squared test have been performed, with a significance level of 5%.

Results

Pattern of weekly PA (mean 226 minutes) was considered insufficient when compared to recommendations (−174min; IC 95% −179; −169; p=0,000). There was 29% of excessive weight (overweight and obesity combined) and 70% of teens reported less than 2 hours of daily screen time. Most participants (57%) use passive means of transportation to get to school, and 54% preferred playing sports over sedentary activities during leisure time between classes. Only half of the teens (52%) were aware of PA recommendations. About 45% are used to watching television during at least one of the three main meals. Awareness about recommendations was associated with reduction of sedentary activities during school snack recess (p = 0.03) and active transportation to school (p = 0.003) but not with daily screen time (p = 0 77) or total weekly PA (p = 0.63). Time spent on sedentary activities and total weekly PA had no significant impact on BMI.

Discussion and conclusions

Although results did not show impact of sedentary behaviours or PA on nutritional status (probably due to the distribution of PA patterns, very similar throughout the sample), pattern was insufficient and highlights the importance of early incentive of active lifestyle, since patterns in adolescence determine PA levels in adulthood and contribute to prevention of obesity. The association found between awareness of PA and reduction of sedentary activities at school remarks the possible role of educational strategies as allies to improve habits.

Support or Funding Information

The tournament from which children were approached to the study is promoted By Danone anually (Danone Nations Cup) for children 10–12 years old. The study was funded by Danone Institute International.