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Physical Activity and Nutrition Practices for Healthy Living Across the Lifespan

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Sports Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 September 2025) | Viewed by 3275

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Kinesiology & Rehabilitation Science, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
Interests: physical activity promotion; comprehensive school physical activity programs (CSPAP); health and wellness interventions; nutrition education; social–emotional learning and physical activity; inclusive physical activity programs; youth fitness and academic outcomes; teacher professional development in physical education; physical activity and mental health; community-based health initiatives; physical activity for underserved populations; school-based health interventions; policy and advocacy for physical education and nutrition

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Guest Editor
Center for Health and Community Impact, College of Education, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
Interests: health behaviors; physical activity; healthy lifestyles; policy and advocacy for physical education and nutrition

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The aim of this Special Issue, titled "Physical Activity and Nutrition Practices for Healthy Living Across the Lifespan", is to explore the intersection of diet, physical activity, and healthy living, emphasizing innovative research that sheds light on evidence-based practices and interventions that contribute to lifelong health and well-being. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and program evaluations that explore evidence-based interventions targeting various age groups, from childhood to older adulthood. Submissions addressing populations with disabilities, as well as studies highlighting inclusive physical activity and nutrition approaches or studies that account for social and emotional well-being, are strongly encouraged. We are particularly interested in manuscripts that examine the intersection of these factors and their impact on holistic health outcomes, shedding light on innovative strategies to enhance health across all phases of life. Contributions that assess the effectiveness of community-based programs, policy-level interventions, or novel methodologies in this domain are also of great interest. Overall, the ultimate aim of this Special Issue is to provide a comprehensive platform for multidisciplinary perspectives that inform the best practices and future research priorities in the fields of physical activity, nutrition, and wellness.

Dr. Erin E. Centeio
Dr. Jeanne Barcelona
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • physical activity
  • nutrition
  • wellness
  • lifespan
  • interventions
  • social–emotional learning
  • inclusive approaches
  • lifelong health
  • evidence-based practices
  • community-based programs

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

9 pages, 604 KB  
Article
Nutrition Practices for Healthy Living Across the Lifespan in Black/African American Men
by LLarance Turner, Chimene Castor and Oyonumo Ntekim
Nutrients 2025, 17(19), 3127; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17193127 - 30 Sep 2025
Viewed by 345
Abstract
Background: Obesity is a well-established risk factor for numerous chronic diseases, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and its impact is particularly acute among Black/African American men. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 70.9% of Black men aged [...] Read more.
Background: Obesity is a well-established risk factor for numerous chronic diseases, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and its impact is particularly acute among Black/African American men. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 70.9% of Black men aged 20 and older are overweight or obese. Despite this alarming prevalence, there remains a limited number of studies that specifically investigate the root causes of obesity in this population. Addressing this gap is critical to developing culturally relevant interventions that promote health equity. The purpose of this study was to assess dietary patterns, that are associated with overweight/obesity, in Black men aged 18–65 across the United States of America, to gain an in-depth understanding of variables influencing BMI in Black men. Methods: This study utilized a quantitative approach to collect information from participants. A survey questionnaire was developed and administered via Qualtrics to participants using a web link. The survey collected information across 18 dietary variables. Data was exported to Microsoft Excel for statistical analysis. A simple linear regression was used to determine dietary variables correlation strength and significance with BMI. A significance level of p < 0.05 was used to determine if a variable was statistically significant. Variables were then organized based on significance vs. non significance and correlation strength. Result: The study sample consisted of 466 Black men aged 18 to 65 years. The mean BMI was 30.21. Approximately 19% (n = 87) had a BMI within the healthy range (18.5–24.9), 41% (n = 190) were categorized as overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9), and another 41% (n = 189) were classified as obese (BMI ≥ 30.0). The findings revealed that fruit and vegetable consumption and whole grain cereal consumption were significantly and positively correlated with BMI. Other variables, such as fried foods, processed foods, and sugary drinks, though historically associated with obesity, did not show statistical significance in this population. Conclusions: Results suggest that while multiple dietary factors influence BMI, fruit, vegetable, and whole grain consumption are significantly correlated with BMI in Black men living in America. The findings from this study serve as a foundational step for designing targeted, culturally sensitive interventions aimed at reducing obesity-related health disparities. Future research should further explore how tailored public health messaging and community-based programming can address the specific needs of this population. Full article
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27 pages, 1306 KB  
Article
The Link Between Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Health: A Cross-Sectional Study with Multivariate Analysis in a Young and Predominantly Female Spanish Sample
by Elena Sandri, Michela Capoferri, Gaia Luciani and Michela Piredda
Nutrients 2025, 17(9), 1486; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17091486 - 28 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2526
Abstract
Background: Physical activity and nutrition play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. This cross-sectional study analyzes the relationship between physical activity habits and dietary patterns in the Spanish population. Methods: Data were collected through validated questionnaires: the Nutritional and Social [...] Read more.
Background: Physical activity and nutrition play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. This cross-sectional study analyzes the relationship between physical activity habits and dietary patterns in the Spanish population. Methods: Data were collected through validated questionnaires: the Nutritional and Social Healthy Habits scale (NutSo-HH) for nutritional and lifestyle habits and the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire for physical activity distributed via social media from June to November 2024. Results: The sample included 1534 respondents (67% female), aged 18–65+ years, with diverse educational, income, and living conditions. Socio-demographic, nutritional, lifestyle, and physical activity data were analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests and Principal Component Analysis. On average, participants engaged in 96.7 min/week of high-intensity physical activity and 118 min/week) of moderate-intensity physical activity. While 75% met the WHO recommendations for moderate activity, only 40% reached optimal levels of high-intensity activity. Individuals engaging in higher levels of physical activity, particularly high-intensity exercise, reported better self-perceived health, lower obesophobia, and better body image. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between higher physical activity levels and the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and fish, while individuals with lower physical activity levels demonstrated a higher intake of ultra-processed and fried foods. Conclusions: The Principal Component Analysis revealed a bidirectional relationship between the alignment of healthy dietary habits and increased physical activity. These findings highlight the importance of promoting both physical activity and balanced nutrition to enhance overall health and lifestyle quality. Full article
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