Last update:
   15-Jul-2026
 

Arch Hellen Med, 43(6), November-December 2026, 753-760

ORIGINAL PAPER

Childhood obesity and fitness across urban and non-urban environments
A gender-based perspective

I. Trigonis,1 I. Tsartsapakis,2 A. Zafeiroudi,3 O. Kouli,1 V. Papacharisis,4 E. Kouli1
1Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini
2Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Serres
3Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, Trikala
4Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

OBJECTIVE Το examine the effects of gender and place of residence (urban versus non-urban) on obesity indicators and physical fitness parameters among primary school students in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Greece.

METHOD The sample included 400 primary school students, classified by gender (boys, girls) and residential area (urban, non-urban). Measurements were taken on body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, waist circumference, and skinfold thickness at various sites, along with physical fitness parameters, including abdominal muscle strength, running agility-speed, and cardiorespiratory endurance. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) assessed differences across variables.

RESULTS Non-urban students exhibited healthier BMI and body fat percentage, along with greater strength and speed performance, likely due to increased physical activity opportunities. No statistically significant differences were found in endurance, suggesting age-related biological maturation plays a greater role.

CONCLUSIONS The findings of the present study highlight the pivotal influence of the residential environment on the prevalence of childhood obesity and fitness. Strategies to promote physical activity in urban settings and enhance movement-friendly spaces may help improve health outcomes.

Key words: Childhood obesity, Physical activity, Physical condition, Quality of life.

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