Trends of Physical Fitness and Weight Change Among Male Elementary School Students in Qatar Between the Period of 2017 to 2022

Physical fitness and body mass play a significant role in an individual's overall health and well-being. Maintaining proper weight and fitness is crucial for reducing chronic disease risk, improving mental health, and promoting longevity. In Qatar, rapid development has led to lifestyle changes, resulting in increased obesity, physical inactivity, and sedentary behavior. Addressing physical fitness and weight management is essential for enhancing the overall health of Qatar's population. This cross-sectional retrospective study analyzed data from 758 male participants, assessing their body mass index (BMI) and performance in eight physical fitness tests: Beep test, Sit and Reach, Horizontal Jump, Push-up, Sit-up, 30-meter sprint, Agility T-test, and the Five Jump Test. ANCOVA analyses were conducted to examine changes in anthropometrical measures and physical fitness test results over time. The mean BMI ± SD increased significantly from 16.35±3.58 kg/m² in 2017 to 22.54±5.08 kg/m² in 2022. The Horizontal Jump test results displayed a declining trend, while the Push-up, Sit-up, Sit and Reach, and the Five Jump Test results showed fluctuating patterns without significant differences. The 30-meter sprint test results exhibited variability, with a significant decline in performance in 2022 compared to 2018. In contrast, the Agility T-test results demonstrated a significant improvement in performance over the years. This study highlights the increasing trend in BMI among children aged 6 to 10 years in Qatar and its potential impact on various aspects of physical fitness. Future research should focus on understanding the specific factors contributing to these trends and developing targeted interventions to promote physical fitness and health among children experiencing increased BMI trends.