Description

Physical activity and fitness levels play a critical role in preventing overweight and obesity during childhood and adolescence. Methodology: Descriptive-correlational quantitative study; sample made up of 196 schoolchildren aged 12-15 years. Results: 47% of the schoolchildren are in a level of physical inactivity; cardiovascular risk was found in 8% of schoolchildren; about the body mass index, 80% presented normal weight; regarding the right-hand grip strength, 78% is low and very low; in long jump, 68% are in low and very low level; in speed and agility it was found that 72% are in low and very low level; the association between BMI * Cardiovascular risk, BMI * Waist circumference, BMI * Triceps crease, BMI * Subscapular crease, Cardiovascular risk * Right-hand grip strength, Cardiovascular risk * Waist circumference, Cardiovascular risk * Triceps crease, Risk cardiovascular * Subscapular fold analysis reported p values ​​<0.05. Conclusions: physical inactivity and very low and low physical condition predominate in schoolchildren; therefore, the evaluation of physical condition at an early age is essential to implement programs to promote physical activity; in addition, these programs should not be restricted only to recommendations made by healthcare professionals; a broad and intense population strategy is required to be able to modify the current trend of increasing inactivity and poor physical condition.