Changes in BMI and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents (11-15 years) from Kraków (Poland) during COVID-19 pandemic.

In March 2020, the spread of the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, triggered a pandemic of acute respiratory distress syndrome among people. The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in BMI and in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents (11-15-year-olds) from Kraków (Poland) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two cross-sectional studies were performed in 2020 and 2022 in randomly selected elementary schools in 4 districts of Kraków. The study group was 1572 children between the ages of 11-15 years. BMI (Body Mass Index) was calculated. Participants were grouped using Cole's cut-off points. The statistical significance of differences between the groups was estimated using the two-way ANOVA and Chi2 test. An increase in the prevalence of underweight and normal weight was observed in both sexes. In girls a decrease in the prevalence of obesity was noted, while in boys, the same tendency was present in some age groups. In girls, a decrease in the prevalence of overweight and in the average BMI was noted; in boys the trend was the opposite. The observed results may be correlated with changes in body composition and restrictions resulting from the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Analysis of Changes in Physical Fitness in Children and Adolescents (11-15 Years) From Kraków (Poland) During COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has posed a threat to society worldwide. The aim of the study was to analyze changes in the physical fitness of 11- to 15-year-olds during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Cross-sectional research was conducted in randomly selected schools in Kraków (Poland) during the years 2020 and 2022. The study group included 1635 adolescents aged 11-15 years. The results of fitness tests such as flexibility, standing broad jump, handgrip strength, overhead medicine ball throw, shuttle run (10 × 5 m), and 30-second sit-ups were analyzed. Body height and weight measurements were also taken. The standing broad jump and handgrip strength were normalized. A statistical analysis was performed to compare the differences between groups using 2-way analysis of variance with the Tukey HSD post hoc test or Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: The test results revealed a deterioration decrease in sit-ups, standing broad jump, shuttle run, and normalized standing broad jump in both sexes. Furthermore, the test results among girls showed a decrease in overhead medicine ball throw and flexibility. An increase in test results of both sexes was noticed in handgrip strength of the right and left hand. Among boys in 2022, the results were better in the flexibility test and overhead medicine ball throw compared with their peers from 2020. CONCLUSION: This study indicates a decrease in overall physical fitness in adolescents. The observed results may be associated with a decrease in physical activity, changes in nutrition, and restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

War in Ukraine - Changing the Polish paediatric population as a consequence of forced migration (a preliminary study).

The study aimed to briefly analyse the basic anthropometric characteristics of Ukrainian adolescents against their Polish counterparts. The study was school-based, carried out April-June 2022 and followed a cross-sectional model. It included 642 children from Poland and Ukraine (aged 10-15) who attended ten randomly selected primary schools in Kraków (Poland). Noticeable differences between Polish and Ukrainian adolescents were observed. As the analysed characteristics included features such as the amount and distribution of body fat, they can be crucial in the indirect assessment of health status, particularly the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. This in turn, can help to properly accommodate the changing needs of the population.

Forced migration and integration - comparison of physical fitness of children from Poland and Ukraine as an indicator of general health.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to briefly analyze the results of selected fitness tests of Ukrainian adolescents against their Polish counterparts. METHODS: The study was school-based, carried out between April and June 2022. It included 642 children from Poland and Ukraine (aged 10 to 16) who attended 10 randomly selected primary schools in Kraków (Poland). Analyzed parameters included physical fitness tests: flexibility test, standing broad jump, 10x5m shuttle run, abdominal muscle strength test (sit-ups, 30 s), handgrip strength (left and right hand) and overhead medicine ball throw (backwards). RESULTS: The Ukrainian girls obtained less favorable results of the fitness tests compared to the Polish children, with the exception of handgrip strength. Also the Ukrainian boys were characterized by lower results of the fitness tests, except for the shuttle run and handgrip strength of the left hand, compared to their counterparts from Poland. CONCLUSION: The Ukrainian children obtained mainly less favorable results of the fitness tests compared to the Polish children. It should be stressed that analyzed characteristics play an important role in childrens' current as well as future health. Considering the obtained results, to properly accommodate to the changing needs of the population, educators, teachers and parents should advocate for more physical activity opportunities for children. Additionally, interventions focused on fitness, health and wellness promotion, as well as risk-reduction on individual and community levels should be developed and implemented.

Changes in the prevalence of underweight, overweight, obesity and excessive adiposity among adolescents from Kraków (Poland) in the years 1983-2020.

OBJECTIVES: Improved living conditions affect lifestyles and may contribute to the increased prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents. The aim of the study was to analyze changes in the prevalence of underweight, overweight, obesity as well as excessive adiposity among teenagers from Kraków (Poland). METHODS: The study was conducted in four series in the years: 1983, 2000, 2010, and 2020. The study group included 1759 boys and 1699 girls aged 16-18 years. body mass index (BMI) was calculated on the basis of body height and weight. Adiposity was measured by bioimpedance method. Participants were grouped according to BMI categories using Cole's cut-off points and according to adiposity based on mean and standard deviations values. The significance of the differences between cohorts was assessed by the Chi-square test. RESULTS: Secular increase in the prevalence of underweight and overweight was observed among girls in most age groups. An increase in the prevalence of high body fat was also observed among 16- and 17-year-old girls - the opposite trend was noted in 18-year-old girls. Contemporary boys had an increased prevalence of overweight and obesity in each age group. CONCLUSION: There was a significant increase in the prevalence of body weight abnormalities in the study population. The observed results may be related to socio-economic changes that adversely affect the lifestyle of the society. The results are also important in terms of the health of future generations and may be helpful in the development of new prevention and intervention programs.

Analysis of secular trends in physical fitness of children and adolescents (8-18 years) from Kraków (Poland) between 2010 and 2020.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to analyze the changes of the motor skills of children and adolescents from Kraków between 2010 and 2020. METHODS: The group included 4106 children and adolescents (8-18 years of age). The analysis of changes included results of the following fitness tests: backwards overhead medicine ball throw, standing broad jump, dynamometric strength of the hand, flexibility test, as well as shuttle run (10 × 5 m). RESULTS: A negative trend in both sexes was observed in the results of overhead medicine ball throw. The girls also had a negative intergenerational changes in the results of the shuttle run and the flexibility test. A positive secular trend was also observed in both sexes in relations to the dynamometric force of the right and left hand. In addition, the boys studied in more contemporary times showed better results in the shuttle run, compared to their peers in 2010. CONCLUSION: The study reported a decline in overall motor performance in children and adolescents. The observed results may be related to a decrease in the level of physical activity, as well as a higher incidence of overweight and high levels of body fat in the modern population.

The impact of lifestyle and socioeconomic parameters on body fat level in early childhood.

The aim of this study was to examine the differences between selected lifestyle and socioeconomic parameters among preschool (3-7 years of age) children of differing adiposity status. The study was conducted from February to June 2018 in 20 randomly selected kindergartens in Kraków, Poland. Triceps, biceps, subscapular, suprailiac, abdominal and calf skinfold thicknesses were measured. The sum of all six skinfolds was calculated and the children were subsequently characterized by low (≤-1 SD [standard deviation]), normal (-1 to 1 SD) or high body fat (≥1 SD). Socioeconomic and lifestyle characteristics were obtained using a questionnaire filled out by the children's parents or legal guardians. Preschool children in the high adiposity category had, on average, fewer siblings and longer screen time; additionally, their parents had lower education and more often worked in manual jobs, in comparison to the children in the low and average adiposity categories. In conclusion, it was observed that children in different adiposity categories varied in terms of some socioeconomic as well as lifestyle characteristics. Knowledge regarding the influence that those factors can have on the metabolic health of children is essential for children's present as well as future well-being. Moreover, it can help health care professionals and parents decide what intervention and/ or preventive measures should be undertaken to ensure the best possible outcomes, as the development of successful obesity prevention strategies should rely on evidence-based information. Nonetheless, future research examining the issue of factors influencing the metabolic health of children, as well as these outcomes later in life, is crucial. Well-planned studies including a large number of individuals, as well as longitudinal research, will be particularly beneficial in this regard.