Physical activity level, risk of overweight and body adiposity in secondary school students

Authors

  • César David Paredes Román National University of Callao
  • Cesar Angel Durand Gonzales National University of Callao
  • Alexander Frank Pasquel Cajas Hermilio Valdizan National University
  • Sandy Dorian Isla Alcoser National University of San Marcos
  • Hernán Dueñas Caillahua National University of San Marcos https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6447-315X
  • Jorge Miguel Chávez-Diaz National University of San Marcos https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1968-7626
  • Andrés Arias Lizares National University of Altiplano https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7536-4146
  • Lupe Marilu Huanca Rojas National Intercultural University of the Central Jungle Juan Santos Atahualpa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2533-1055
  • Vilma Luz Aparicio Salas Continental University
  • Roberto Carlos Dávila-Morán Continental University (UC) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3181-8801

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v68.116089

Keywords:

Body adiposity, physical activity, body mass index, overweight

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity and overweight are characterized by excessive or abnormal accumulation of body fat, which poses a health risk. This increase in fat is directly linked to the development of various comorbidities and serious diseases.

Objective: To evaluate physical activity levels, risk of overweight, and body adiposity in secondary school students.

Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional design was used with a sample of 252 students (131 men and 121 women). Height, body weight, skinfold thickness, BMI, and body fat percentage were measured.

Results: The findings revealed significant differences between men and women in body fat percentage, moderate physical activity, and vigorous physical activity. It was confirmed that men have less body fat and perform more physical activity (moderate and vigorous) than women. An inverse relationship was found between energy expenditure, physical activity time, and the prevalence of overweight/obesity and high body fat levels.

Discussion: Qualitative literature highlights gender-specific barriers and motivations that influence adherence to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

Conclusions: Maintaining an appropriate duration and intensity of physical activity (especially vigorous) is essential to reducing the risk of overweight and adiposity.

Author Biographies

César David Paredes Román, National University of Callao

Professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Professional School of Nursing of the National University of Callao.

Cesar Angel Durand Gonzales, National University of Callao

He holds a PhD in Health Administration from the National University of Callao (Peru). He has a solid academic background in education and nutrition. He holds a Master's degree in Educational Management from the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega University and a Bachelor's degree in Food Science and Nutrition from the José Faustino Sánchez Carrión National University, where he also earned a Bachelor's degree in Food Science and Nutrition.

Alexander Frank Pasquel Cajas, Hermilio Valdizan National University

Master in Business Management: Mention: Project Management from the Hermilio Valdizan National University, Telecommunications Engineer from the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru specializing in telecommunications projects, telecommunications network planning, networking, public procurement course from the Continental University, Diploma in Public Investment Projects from the University of the Pacific, second specialty in Didactics and Research in University Teaching from the Enrique Guzmán y Valle National University of Education, Diploma in Teaching Researcher from the Ricardo Palma University.

Sandy Dorian Isla Alcoser, National University of San Marcos

Professor at the National University of San Marcos, University of Peru, Dean of the Americas, and the National University of Callao. He holds a postdoctoral degree in Sports Sciences from the Sports Center (CDS) of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC). He also holds a PhD in Management and Development from the Scientific and Technological Institute of the Army (ICTE) (an institution with university status recognized by SUNEDU). He also holds a Master's degree in University Teaching and Research from the University of San Martín de Porres (USMP). He also holds a Bachelor's degree in Educational Sciences and a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education from the Enrique Guzmán y Valle National University of Education, La Cantuta (UNE).

Hernán Dueñas Caillahua, National University of San Marcos

Certified Public Accountant, with a Master's degree in Tax Auditing.

Jorge Miguel Chávez-Diaz, National University of San Marcos

He holds a PhD in Accounting from the Federico Villarreal National University. He holds a Master's degree in Accounting with a specialization in Financial Auditing from the Universidad Católica Los Ángeles de Chimbote (ULADECH). He is a professor and researcher at the postgraduate level at the UNMSM and UNFV universities. He was awarded the 2023 National Accounting Award by the Board of Deans of Public Accounting Associations of Peru. He is a financial consultant and accounting expert.

Andrés Arias Lizares, National University of Altiplano

He holds a Bachelor's degree in Education, specializing in Science, a Master's degree in Social Promotion and Citizenship, and a PhD in Education from the Universidad Católica Santa María de Arequipa (UCSM). He has a 39-year career in promoting educational proposals within educational institutions such as the EBR (Basic Education Center), the ODEC (Department of Education), and the UNA Puno (National University of Valencia), the UANCV (University of Valencia), and the UNAJ (National University of Valencia). He has also promoted the development of regional educational policies. To this end, he has implemented institutional participatory processes through the development of educational projects of various sizes, particularly in the areas of curriculum design and educational management policies.

Lupe Marilu Huanca Rojas, National Intercultural University of the Central Jungle Juan Santos Atahualpa

PhD in Education, Master's in Educational Administration and Management, candidate for a Master's degree in Family and Social Promotion. Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, with a specialization in Special Education, specializing in Children with Disabilities; candidate for the second specialization in Social Conflicts. She has published books on Pedagogy, Didactics, and Competency-Based Learning. She is a Coordinator of Social Programs, director and teacher at EBR, and coordinator of the second specialty: Early Childhood Education at UNA Puno. Experience in university teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels, she has conducted various educational research projects on interculturality and gender; presented presentations at national and international conferences; and has consulted on University Curriculum Design, the University Educational Model, and Competency-Based Methodological Strategies at various universities nationwide, holding positions such as Director of the General Academic Office, Director of the Faculty of Education, and currently Coordinator and Dean of the Faculty of Education.

Vilma Luz Aparicio Salas, Continental University

A Peruvian professional trained at the National University of San Antonio Abad del Cusco (UNSAAC). She studied Anthropology between 2005 and 2014, earning her bachelor's and master's degrees in this field.

She subsequently completed a Master's degree in Economics at the same university, with a focus on Public Management and Regional Development.

Roberto Carlos Dávila-Morán, Continental University (UC)

An industrial engineer with a master's degree in quality management and human development, he has extensive experience that has allowed him to participate in various multidisciplinary research projects. He has also published several articles in internationally peer-reviewed scientific journals. His ability to conduct rigorous research, combined with his knowledge and experience in industrial engineering, allows him to make significant contributions to the field of research. In his research, he stands out for his ability to identify problems and opportunities for improvement, proposing innovative and effective solutions to optimize performance. His commitment and dedication to each project, coupled with his ability to work as a team, make him a highly valued professional in both academia and business.

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Published

2025-06-06

How to Cite

Paredes Román, C. D., Durand Gonzales, C. A., Pasquel Cajas, A. F., Isla Alcoser, S. D., Dueñas Caillahua, H., Chávez-Diaz, J. M., … Dávila-Morán, R. C. (2025). Physical activity level, risk of overweight and body adiposity in secondary school students. Retos, 68, 977–990. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v68.116089

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Original Research Article