Estimated health-related physical fitness in Taiwan and itsimplications for body mass index distribution and overweight/obesity risk: Results from the Taiwan Scientific Physical Fitness Testing Program

Abstract Background: Health-related physical fitness reduces the risk of chronic disease, promotes quality of life and has enormous economic benefits considering the global health care costs resulting from obesity. However, relatively limited information is available regarding the dose–response relationship between health-related physical fitness and obesity risk. This study aimed to determine the associations of health-related physical fitness with body mass index (BMI) distribution and overweight/obesity risk among adults aged 23-64 years in Taiwan.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study and reviewed the data derived from the Scientific Physical Fitness Testing Program, Sports Administration, Ministry of Education in Taiwan. Responses from 16,939 participants (7,761 men; 9,178 women) aged 23-64 years from the database were collected in this study. Each participant completed a series of health-related physical fitness measurements, including cardiorespiratory fitness (3-min progressive knee-up and step [3MPKS] test), muscular fitness (hand grip strength), and flexibility (sit-and-reach test). Anthropometric measurements included body height, weight, and BMI. The quartiles of health-related physical fitness results were identified as the dependent variable in the multiple linear and multiple logistic regression analysis to determine the associations of the health-related physical fitness measurements with the BMI distribution and the overweight/obesity risk as well as the dose–response relationship.Results: The 3MPKS test and relative hand grip strength were significantly negatively associated with BMI and overweight/obesity risk with a dose–response relationship in both men and women. However, the sit-and-reach test was partially related to BMI and overweight/obesity risk in adults.Conclusions: Higher levels of the 3MPKS test and relative grip strength were associated with lower BMI and overweight/obesity risk in both sexes. Cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular fitness were effective predictors of BMI distribution and overweight/obesity risk in Taiwanese adults.