18th Annual Student Research Conference
Human Potential and Performance
Evaluation of Nutrition and Physical Activity Habits of Children in Grades 3-8
Denise F. Carnegie* and Melissa K. Pfeiffer
Dr. Janice Clark Young, Faculty Mentor
Since the 1970's soft drink consumption has increased 48% among youth 6-17 years of age. As a result, children today consume 135% more calories in sweetened beverages, than in previous decades. With this trend in beverage consumption among youth, soft drinks and sugar-sweetened drinks are replacing more nutritious beverages, such as 100% fruit juice and milk. Concurrently, physical activity has decreased by 30%, being replaced with more sedentary activities. Children in grades 3-8 in a rural Missouri school district were surveyed on their levels of sugar consumption and physical activity. The survey was completed during the students' physical education classes, then analyzed using SPSS. Decreased physical activity and increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has led to children's weight doubling within the last 30 years. Eleven percent of U.S. children are severely overweight, leading to an increase in diabetes and premature heart problems among youth.
Keywords: physical activity, sugar, obesity, diabetes, heart
Topic(s):Health Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 29-32
Location: OP Lobby & Atrium
Time: 1:15