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Associations Between Body Mass Index, Physical Activity, Perceived School Competence, and Academic Performance in
Miguel Rebelo1,2, João Serrano1,2, Samuel Honório1,2
1Department of Sports and Well-Being, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6000-266 Castelo Branco, Portugal.
Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 30, 2025
Summary
Regular physical activity and adequate body mass index (BMI) are linked to better academic performance in elementary students. Promoting 4-6 hours of weekly physical activity in schools may enhance both health and learning outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Educational Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood habits significantly influence physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development.
- Physical activity correlates with fitness and academic success, while high body mass index (BMI) may negatively impact school performance.
- Limited national data exists on the interplay between BMI, physical activity, and academic outcomes in Portuguese children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between BMI, perceived school competence, academic performance, and weekly physical activity volume.
- To address a gap in national evidence regarding these factors in Portuguese elementary students.
- To inform evidence-based strategies for promoting student well-being and academic achievement.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional correlational study involving 531 elementary students (mean age 9.13 years) from 10 public schools.
- Body mass index (BMI) calculated from anthropometric measures; physical activity self-reported.
- Perceived competence assessed using Harter's Self-Concept Scale; academic performance obtained from school records.
Main Results:
- Higher BMI showed negative associations with perceived competence and academic achievement (r = 0.18-0.32).
- Regular physical activity (4-6 hours/week) was linked to improved performance in Portuguese and mathematics.
- Physical activity (β = 0.093, p = 0.033) and perceived competence (β = 0.126, p = 0.004) predicted academic performance; BMI was not a significant predictor (β = -0.028, p = 0.524).
Conclusions:
- Adequate BMI and regular physical activity are associated with enhanced academic performance in children.
- Perceived competence may act as a mediator, though not formally tested in this study.
- School-based physical activity programs of 4-6 hours weekly are recommended to foster both health and academic success.
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