Aixa Gálvez-Guzmán

Objective: To describe blood pressure (BP), body composition, and physical fitness in schoolchildren from the Valparaíso region, comparing outcomes between normal weight and overweight/obese groups. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 150 children aged 6–10 years from public schools in Valparaíso, Chile. BP classification followed the Clinical Practice Guideline for Screening and Management of High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents. Body mass index (BMI) was categorized using the WHO growth reference. Physical fitness was assessed via handgrip strength, standing long jump, and the 20 m shuttle run test. Results: The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 58.7%. Overweight/obese children presented higher systolic BP than their normal-weight peers (p =0.005), while diastolic BP showed no significant difference (p =0.073). Elevated BP was frequent in both systolic (22%) and diastolic (32.7%) measures, with lower prevalence in the normal-BMI group. Adequate upper-body strength was observed in 52.0%, with a higher proportion in the overweight/obese group. In contrast, 45.3% met the criteria for adequate lower-body strength, and only 37.3% achieved adequate cardiorespiratory fitness, both of which were more prevalent among normal-weight children. Conclusion: Overweight/obese children showed higher systolic BP and less favorable fitness profiles, reinforcing the need for early monitoring in school settings. Keywords: hypertension, physical activity, childhood, school, health