Background: Underweight and obesity are important factors affecting the level of physical fitness. The aim of this study was to assess physical fitness of lower secondary school adolescents in relation to BMI.
Methods: Two-hundred students, aged 14-16, were examined. Respondents were divided into 4 groups according to BMI classification. The body height and weight were determined. Physical fitness was assessed on the basis Zuchora's ISF tests.
Results: The body weight deficiency occurred in 3% of girls and 5% of boys, overweight was noted in 14% of both groups, and obesity in 6% and 12% accordingly. Statistically significant differences were determined in the components of physical fitness. They were noted in both genders between the group of children with standard body weight and overweight as well as obese children. Significant negative correlations were determined between and the components of physical fitness. More significant correlations giving evidence to the decrease of Zuchora's ISF score along with the increase of BMI were more significant in girls.
Conclusions: Statistically significant differences between the boys and girls were determined in all five Zuchora's tests. The highest scores in physical fitness were achieved by the boys and girls with weight deficiency.