Analysis of early obesity symptoms in children aged 11-12 years, a case study from southern Algeria

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to analyse morphological data and determine the body profile of schoolchildren aged 11 to 12. Our sample consists of 90 children from primary schools in the municipality of Laghouat, in southern Algeria. To develop the research tool, we used anthropometric measurements and assessed body mass index (BMI) to identify earlier obese children and those at risk of obesity. In order to properly supervise and guide these children towards appropriate sports activities, we studied their physical fitness based on basic physical tests, so that we could assess their body mass index at the same time.
The experimental procedures and statistical analysis show that there is a correlative relationship between body mass index and physical fitness, with a correlation coefficient of -0.437 and a T-test of -1.310, at a significance level of 0.005*, which shows strong significance. Between the practice of children's activities at the age of 11-12 years and the body mass index which represents an essential indicator of early obesity.