The Association Between Food and Physical Exercise in Childhood to Physical Health 30 years later

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Live Poster Session: Zoom Link

Kenny Mai (He/him)

Second-year psychology and educational studies double major with a Data Analysis minor student at Wesleyan University planning to pursue a career in advocacy and philanthropy. I’m on the Green Fund Committee and work two campus jobs: Peer Career Advisor at the Gordon Career Center and a student Philanthropy Ambassador at to the Office of Advancement. I enjoy going on hikes, running, watching the Boston Celtics and New England Patriots.

Abstract: The 2019 and 2021 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted as part of the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report survey identified that 75% of students in the 2021 study didn’t have breakfast daily which increased from the 66.9% surveyed in 2019. (Michael, S. L., 2023) Moreover, less than ¼ of childrens 6-17 ages participate in 60 minutes of physical activity every day. (Merlo, 2020)

Having a quality breakfast is associated with improved academic performance and ability to engage with their coursework with more energy. (Adolphus, K. et al, 2013) In addition, skipping breakfast has been linked to influences of being overweight and obesity. (Wicherski, J. et al, 2021) Research has shown that physical activity is beneficial, as it increases one’s emotional well-being. Physical activity increases the frequency of experienced positive emotions and decreases the frequency of experienced negative emotions. Moreover, physical activity is also associated with increased aspects of well-being, life satisfaction, and has positive effects on one’s cognitive performance. 

The present study will examine the data from The United States National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health (ADDHealth). The goals of the analysis will include 1)  identifying if there is a long-term correlation (30 year) with food/physical exercise and physical well-being; and 2) determining whether food or physical exercise is more influential than the other.

Kenny-Mai-QAC-Poster