Relationship Between Eating, Exercise and Academic Performance During Adolescence

Abstract

Recent studies indicate the prominence of adverse eating behaviors in adolescence and their potential relationship to social and academic experiences. There is a lack of research assessing the longer term potential impact of adverse eating and exercise behaviors on future academic performance. In this study, 117 undergraduate students completed an online self-reported survey assessing academic performance, motivation, academic interference, eating habits, and exercise habits from middle and high school and from college. Hierarchical logistic regressions indicated that middle school and high school grades could not be predicted based on same age eating habits, exercise habits, academic interference, and academic motivation. College grades were predicted based on current eating habits and exercise habits. More specifically, the more problematic a college student’s eating and exercise habits are, the lower their grades. Implications and future directions are discussed.