Eating habits and academic performance in secondary school: a cross-sectional analysis in a public school

Diet and lifestyle habits have a direct impact on students' academic performance. Factors such as skipping breakfast, consuming ultra- processed foods, and lack of physical activity can negatively affect school achievement.

To identify the relationship between eating habits and academic performance among high school students at a public school during 2023.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 189 students. Sociodemographic variables, eating habits, nutritional status (body mass index and hemoglobin levels), sleep duration, and level of physical activity were assessed. Academic performance was measured using grade point averages and Saber test scores. Descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses were performed.

A total of 60.85% of students reported never eating breakfast or doing so less than once a week, with this behavior being more prevalent among those with lower academic performance. Sleeping eight hours per night (aOR = 1.43; 95% CI: 0.62-3.28) and engaging in regular physical activity (aOR = 5.81; 95% CI: 1.05-31.95) were associated with better academic results. No significant differences were found in terms of body mass index, hemoglobin levels, or consumption of vegetables, fruits, cereal grains, proteins, snacks, and sugar-sweetened beverages.

Various studies have demonstrated that nutrition plays a key role in cognitive development.

Healthy lifestyle habits such as regular breakfast consumption, adequate sleep, and physical activity positively influence academic performance. Therefore, it is essential to strengthen school-based strategies that promote a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle to enhance student achievement.