Introduction:

There is ample evidence on Chilean schoolchildren with high levels of overweight and obesity, and a low level of physical activity and physical fitness. However, there is little evidence that compares the nutritional status, physical activity, and physical fitness between participating and non-participating schoolchildren in mainstream education.

Objective:

To analyze differences in nutritional status, physical condition, and school performance among schoolchildren from the third to fifth grade participating and non-participating in mainstream education of a public educational establishment in the province of Biobío, Chile.

Materials and methods:

Cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational study. A convenience sample of 107 schoolchildren was analyzed. Nutritional status and physical fitness were measured. In addition, to measure school performance, the grade point averages of language and mathematics were obtained.

Results:

A prevalence of overweight and obesity slightly higher than national reference values was reported. There were no significant differences between the nutritional status, physical condition, and school performance for the participating and non-participating schoolchildren in mainstream education. Additionally, the schoolchildren with the highest body mass index had a lower grade point average in language and communication.

Conclusions:

The similarity in the levels of nutritional status, physical fitness, and school performance, as well as the prevalence of overweight and obesity associated with low school performance, should be considered when designing and implementing program to promote physical activity in schoolchildren

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