The Impact of Physical Activity, Lifestyle, and Nutritional Intake on Children’s Health
A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Nutrition".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 February 2026 | Viewed by 2175
Special Issue Editors
Interests: children; nutrition; pediatrics; child obesity; complementary feeding; diet in diseases
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
2. University Children’s Hospital in Krakow, Wielicka 265 St., 30-663 Cracow, Poland
Interests: childhood obesity; metabolic syndrome; hypertension; endocrinology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues，
The impact of physical activity, lifestyle, and nutrition on children's health is a rapidly evolving area of research that holds immense potential for improving public health outcomes worldwide. We would like to encourage researchers to publish their works in the following domains.
1. Childhood obesity and related chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular issues, are at historically high levels. Research can help identify the most effective strategies for preventing these conditions through targeted physical activity programs, lifestyle interventions, and improved nutritional practices. By focusing on the early years, we can develop preventive measures that reduce the long-term burden on healthcare systems.
2. Personalized Approaches to Health. Children’s health needs are not one-size-fits-all. Different age groups, socio-economic backgrounds, and genetic predispositions mean that tailored approaches to physical activity and nutrition are critical. Research can help identify which combinations of physical activity, dietary interventions, and lifestyle changes are most effective for diverse populations of children. A deeper understanding of these factors can lead to more personalized and accessible health interventions.
3. The Role of Early Interventions. Early childhood is a critical period for physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Research into how early patterns of activity, diet, and lifestyle impact long-term health outcomes can help design interventions that begin in preschool or even earlier.
4. Long-Term Impacts on Mental and Cognitive Health. While much of the existing research has focused on the physical aspects of children’s health, growing evidence shows that physical activity, nutrition, and lifestyle also play crucial roles in mental health and cognitive development. Investigating the links between diet, exercise, and brain health could uncover powerful ways to enhance learning, reduce behavioral issues, and prevent mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression in children.
5. Environmental and Social Influences. Children’s health behaviors are shaped not only by individual choices but also by their environment—school policies, community infrastructure, family dynamics, and socioeconomic factors. Research is needed to better understand how these external factors influence physical activity levels, eating habits, and overall lifestyle. Identifying ways to create healthier environments for children can lead to more effective public health policies, such as better school nutrition programs, safer places for physical activity, and more community-based health initiatives.
6. Innovations in Technology and Monitoring. Advances in technology, such as wearable fitness trackers, mobile apps, and online platforms, provide new opportunities to track children’s physical activity and nutritional intake in real-time. Research into how these technologies can be integrated into daily routines to improve health outcomes could lead to more interactive and engaging ways for children to manage their health. It could also offer parents, educators, and healthcare providers valuable insights into children’s habits and progress.
Research into the relationships between physical activity, lifestyle choices, and nutrition in children is critical for addressing the growing health challenges facing today's youth. It can lead to more effective prevention strategies, improved health interventions, and better-informed public health policies.
Dr. Agnieszka Kozioł-Kozakowska
Prof. Dr. Malgorzata Wojcik
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- public health
- diet prevention and therapy
- nutrition
- infants
- toddlers
- adolescent
- nutritional education
- diet-related diseases
- obesity
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