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Study purpose. This study purpose was to investigate whether health-related physical fitness is associated with total and central body fat in school children aged 6–10 years. Materials and methods. A total of 2197 Macedonian children aged 6–10 years (1096 boys and 1101 girls) participated in the study. Health-related physical fitness was measured by the modified EUROFIT test battery: the 20 m shuttle run test (cardiorespiratory fitness); the handgrip strength test, the standing long jump and the 30 s sit-ups tests (muscular strength); the 4×10 m shuttle run test (motor fitness) and the sit and reach test (flexibility). Body mass index, body fat percentage and waist circumference were used as markers of total and central body fat, respectively. Results. The standing long jump, the 30 s sit-ups, the 4×10 m shuttle run and the 20 m shuttle run tests were negatively associated with all markers of total and central body fat in boys and girls after controlling for age (p<0.01). The handgrip strength test was positively associated with all markers of total and central body fat (p<0.01). No statistically significant correlation was established between the markers of total and central body fat and the sit and reach test. Conclusions. The present study broadens previous findings in children and adolescents which demonstrate correlations between the health-related physical fitness components, chiefly the muscle strength, the agility and cardiorespiratory fitness and total central adiposity. Fitness assessment should be introduced in future epidemiological and intervention studies in school children because it seems to be an important factor determining health.

Background. Physical inactivity is associated with poor physical fitness and weight gain. Organized sports activities can be a significant component in providing adequate fitness which, on its part, is an important aspect of general health and well-being. The purpose of the study was to establish the relationship between participation in organized sports activity and obesity as well as physical fitness of 6–10-year-old children from the region of the city of Skopje in the Republic of North Macedonia. Materials and methods. The height, weight, body mass composition, and various components of physical fitness were measured in 940 children (aged 8.98 ± 3.39). The sports participation and confounding variables, such as parents’ education and body weight as well as parents’ sports activities, were estimated through a questionnaire completed by parents. In order to achieve the study purpose, the study used the multinomial logistic regression analysis and the multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Results. Less-than-once-a-week sports participation was established in 41.1% of the children, once or twice a week – in 48.4%, and more often – in 10.5%. Obesity was established in 38.1% of the children. Children that had organized sports activity 1-2 times a week or more often showed a higher physical fitness level. Conclusions. Even though causality cannot be established, facilitation of organized sports activities may be a crucial aspect in public health efforts addressing the growing problems associated with overweight and obesity.