Physical activity levels and estimated energy expenditure in overweight and normal-weight 11-year-old children

Aim: To objectively evaluate physical activity and energy expenditure in overweight and normal‐weight 11‐year‐old children. Methods: The final sample consisted of 91 children (32 overweight and 59 normal‐weight children), mean age (SD) = 11.3 (0.2) years. Energy expenditure and physical activity were assessed during two weekdays and two weekend days using a multiple‐sensor body monitor (SenseWear Armband; BodyMedia Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, USA). Results: Time spent in physical activity was higher in normal‐weight compared with overweight children (p = 0.002). The highest level of physical activity was noted in normal‐weight boys [mean (SD) = 258 (114) min/day] and the lowest in overweight girls [mean (SD) = 136 (59) min/day] (p = 0.002). In contrast, energy expended during physical activity did not differ between normal‐weight and overweight children (2.6 and 2.7 MJ/day, respectively, p = 0.89). The average decrease in physical activity at weekends was 39 min in overweight children (from 166 to 127 min/day) and 27 min in their normal‐weight counterparts (from 230 to 203 min/day). Conclusion: Overweight children engaged in less physical activity of both moderate and vigorous intensity compared with their normal‐weight peers. Both overweight and normal‐weight children were less active at weekends than on weekdays. Initiatives aiming to increase physical activity of overweight children at weekends are warranted.