LAUSR

OBJECTIVES to assess physical activity and overweight in a young population as factors associated with well-being. DESIGN cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS data collection was performed in primary and secondary schools of a district located in Florence (Tuscany Region, Central Italy) by a validated questionnaire; 1,776 subjects were enrolled. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES physical activity levels and overweight. RESULTS an overweight or obese condition in 14,4% of the study population was observed. Vigorous physical activity prevailed in normal weight children, while the time spent in a sitting position was higher in overweight subjects. CONCLUSIONS physical activity levels do not follow the guidelines for youth people. Educational programmes, also at schools, are recommended in order to prevent the risk of developing chronic diseases in adulthood.