Determine fitness level in female adolescents and relationship with body mass index (BMI) and participation in school athletics. Fitness was determined using the President’s Challenge Physical Fitness Test. Percentage of subjects who scored =< 90th percentile was calculated for each fitness measures based on comparison with age and gender-specific, norma-referenced data. Greater than 50% of subjects scored =< 10th percentile on the timed mile, shuttle run, and number of push-ups and sit-ups performed in one minute. Fitness was significantly corelated with BMI. Those classified as “thin” and “obese” demonstrated the greatest compromise. Fitness was greater in athletes compared to non-athletes. This study provides preliminary evidence of compromised fitness status in ethnically diverse female adolescents from an economically challenged community. Engagement in athletics may serve as a catalyst to maintain and improve fitness in female adolescents.
