Physical Activity and Nutrition Education Programs Changes Body Mass Index and Eating Habits of 12th Grade Students: An Intervention during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background. The importance of physical activity (PA) for maintaining and improving health status increases with each passing day. Objectives. The present study aimed to examine the effects of PA and nutritional education programs applied to 12th-grade students on body mass index (BMI), PA level, and eating habits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. One hundred fifty-nine 12th grade students were randomly assigned to the experimental group (EG) (n=87, 42 male and 45 female) and control group (CG) (n=72, 39 male and 33 female). At first, physical characteristics, PA level, and eating habit questionnaires were completed by students. Then, EG received a single session face-to-face PA and healthy nutrition-themed programs. After an 8-week follow-up, questionnaires were completed by students again. Also, the number of daily steps of EG was recorded during the 8-week follow-up. Differences between pre and post-BMI, PA level, and eating habits of the groups were analyzed using the mixed model ANOVA test. Results. Results showed that educational programs had a positive effect on BMI, PA level, and eating habits of EG (p<.05). There was no improvement in CG (p>0.05). Qualitative findings of EG revealed that the educational program is a beneficial process not only for a short period but also for a lifelong learning structure. Conclusion. In conclusion, PA and healthy nutrition-themed educations are effective methods to improve youths’ awareness to be more active and healthier in their daily life, including during the pandemic processes.