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Physical Activity and Nutrition Practices for Healthy Living Across the Lifespan

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 April 2026) | Viewed by 10434

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Erin E. Centeio

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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

Dr. Jeanne Barcelona

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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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Research

19 pages, 418 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Assessment and Trends Among Preschoolers in South Korea: Data from KNHANES 2012–2021

by Yong-Seok Kwon, Ye-Jun Kim, Eun-Kyung Kim, Jin-Young Lee, Yangsuk Kim and Sohye Kim

Nutrients 2026, 18(2), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18020240 - 12 Jan 2026

Viewed by 905

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to investigate the dietary assessment and trends of preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years in Korea from 2012 to 2021 and to provide basic data for early childhood dietary education and policy development. Methods: Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2012 to 2021 were analyzed for 2510 children in the 3–5 age group. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24 h recall. Intakes of food groups, dishes, and nutrients were calculated, and trends across years were tested using generalized linear models adjusted for gender, age, household income, energy intake, mother’s age, and mother’s education. Results: Over the tenyear period, intakes of carbohydrates, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, carotene, thiamine, niacin, and vitamin C, as well as the carbohydrate energy ratio, showed significant declines. Meanwhile, protein, fat, retinol, and riboflavin increased, as did the protein and fat energy ratios. Fruit intake decreased by approximately 42 g among food group intakes. Analysis of foods contributing to total food intake revealed that milk, white rice, apples, and eggs consistently accounted for a high proportion of total intake in all survey years. Average calcium intake was approximately 100 mg below the estimated average requirement. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that preschoolers exhibit insufficient intake of certain nutrients, such as calcium, and a decrease in fruit intake. Interventions are needed to establish regular meal patterns, promote plant food intake such as fruit, and improve calcium intake. These results provide valuable evidence for designing dietary education programs and dietary guidelines tailored to early childhood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition Practices for Healthy Living Across the Lifespan)

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9 pages, 604 KB

Open AccessArticle

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 1287

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 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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition Practices for Healthy Living Across the Lifespan)

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27 pages, 1306 KB

Open AccessArticle

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 11 | Viewed by 7516

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 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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Nutrition Practices for Healthy Living Across the Lifespan)

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