Nigeria Health & Lifstyle

Physical Fitness Associated With Higher Academic Achievement

Physically fit students tend to outscore their peers who are less-fit on academic tests, according to a new report from New York City’s Health Department and Department of Education (DOE). The observation comes from an analysis of data from NYC FITNESSGRAM, the comprehensive fitness assessment that New York City public school students participate in each year as part of their physical education instruction.

The analysis also shows that childhood obesity remains prevalent in New York City – a finding that underscores the urgent need to ensure that school-age children receive nutritious meals, high-quality physical education, and ample opportunities for physical activity.

Fitness has been proven to promote a longer, healthier life. Although these new findings do not demonstrate a direct cause-and-effect relationship, they do show a strong association between fitness and academic success. During the 2007-2008 school year, students who scored in the top 5% on their NYC FITNESSGRAM assessments outscored the bottom 5% by an average of 36 percentile points on standardized academic tests.

The new report also examines childhood obesity in New York City. The findings suggest that 21% of kindergarten through eighth grade students are obese, and an additional 18% of the City’s students are overweight.





Childhood obesity increases a child’s risk of developing diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure and high cholesterol – all potentially lifelong health problems – as well as heart disease and cancer during adulthood. “When four out of 10 school kids are overweight or obese, the city has a problem,” said Dr. Thomas Farley, New York City Health Commissioner. “We know that physical activity can combat obesity and its health consequences. This report suggests that healthy, active kids also learn better.”

“The long-term health of our students is very important,” said Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein. “The report’s findings send a clear message to schools, parents and healthcare providers to do everything possible to ensure that children receive the opportunities for physical activity and the proper nutrition that will help them stay fit and healthy.”

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