Abdominal obesity, body mass index, and physical activity in children and adolescents in Los Nevados Natural Park

Objective: To analyze abdominal obesity, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity (PA) levels in children and adolescents living on the outskirts of Los Nevados National Natural Park, Colombia. Materials and methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted between June and September 2024 in rural schools at altitudes above 3600 m. A convenience sample of 42 schoolchildren (18 males and 24 females, average age 11.7 ± 2.7 years) was evaluated. Weight, height, BMI, waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHR) were measured. The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) and for Adolescents (PAQ-A) were administered. Descriptive and Pearson correlation analyses (p ≤ 0.05) were performed. Results: The average BMI was 18.6 ± 3.1, within normal parameters. The WHI (0.43) was below the cutoff point (0.5), indicating no abdominal obesity. In physical education class, 46.4% of children and 50% of adolescents reported always being active. Post-school physical activity was practiced 2 to 3 times per week in 46.4% and 42.9% respectively, while on weekends the levels rose to 60.7% and 85.7%. A positive and significant correlation was found between BMI and WC in both age groups (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Children and adolescents living at high altitude have normal BMI, no abdominal obesity, and high levels of physical activity, suggesting a possible protective effect of the high-altitude environment against excess weight.