Abstract:

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an exercise program with recreational activities had on the Body Mass Index (BMI) and percentage of body fat (%BF) in obese children. Methods: The research is quasi-experimental, with sample consisting of two paired groups of children (n = 22) of both sexes, aged 8-9 years, with BMI above the NCHS 95th percentile. It was an intervention study with pre and post-test. In the case group (n = 11), children participated in an intervention program with exercise of moderate intensity physical recreation, and nutritional counseling for 12 weeks. The control group (n = 11) did not participate in the program, and continued with their daily activities. Evaluations were made of BMI and %BF. It was utilized the Student t test for independent samples (p <0.05) to investigate the differences obtained between groups. Results: The case group has achieved significant results in decreasing BMI (p = 022) as well as in BF% (p = 037). The control group showed increased values of BMI and, %BF (p = 002). Conclusions: The intervention program with physical exercise, across of recreational activities and nutritional counseling was effective in reducing BMI, subscapular skin fold and %BF, and is good adjunct in the treatment and prevention of childhood obesity.

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