Physical activity and body mass index of school children and adolescents in Abeokuta, Southwest Nigeria

Background Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyles are known to predispose to overweight and obesity. These lifestyles are also known to track from childhood into adulthood with consequent cardiovascular and metabolic problems. This study aimed to describe the frequency of physical activity and the relationship between physical activity and body mass index of urban Nigerian school children and adolescents. Methods Children from seven schools in Abeokuta, southwest Nigeria were selected using a multi-staged random sampling technique. Results Of 570 children, 411 (72.1%) were involved in moderate to vigorous physical activities. Involvement in physical activity was higher in older children ( P