ASSOCIATION BETWEEN EATING HABITS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

The aim: The study aimed to assess the association between the physical activity level and eating habits of primary school students. Material and methods: 139 children attending one of the Polish primary school or football school were included. The research tool was author's anonymous survey. Results: The high physical activity level was observed in 34.1% of boys and in 8.8% of girls. As the level of physical activity increased, the consumption of vegetables and fruits also increased. Whole grain bread, coarse-grained groats, whole grain pasta and brown rice were more popular among students with a high physical activity level. The greater the physical activity, the greater the amount of water drank by students. The consumption of sweets, fast food, and ready-made meals, such as frozen pizza or Chinese soup, decreased with increased physical activity. The choice of healthier substitutes for unhealthy snacks was declared by students with moderate or high physical activity level. There was no correlation between BMI and age and the physical activity level. Girls were less active than boys. Conclusions: More active physically children had better eating habits and were more aware of healthy eating principles than less active people.