Active but not alone: dietary and sleep patterns cluster with physical activity in adolescents
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v83.119445Keywords:
adolescent behavior, non-communicable diseases, lifestyle factors, public health policies, health and well-beingAbstract
Introduction: Adolescence marks a pivotal stage for establishing health behaviors, yet it often lays the groundwork for future non-communicable diseases due to shifts in physical activity patterns. This study aimed to examine the lifestyle-related correlates of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among Portuguese adolescents.
Methods: A sample of 1117 students (489 boys; 628 girls), aged 12 to 18 years, from primary and secondary schools in northern Portugal, completed a self-administered online questionnaire facilitated by their Physical Education teacher. The questionnaire assessed socio-demographic factors, sedentary time, and perceived physical health. Binary logistic regression was used to estimate associations with sufficient MVPA (≥300 min/week).
Results: Greater time spent sitting (OR: 0.999 [95%CI: 0.998 to 1.000]; p=0.047) and longer sleep duration (OR: 0.997 [95%CI: 0.995 to 1.000]; p=0.034) were inversely associated with meeting MVPA recommendations. In contrast, more frequent consumption of vegetables (OR: 1.132 [95%CI: 1.038 to 1.234]; p=0.005) and white meat (OR: 1.210 [95%CI: 1.075 to 1.362]; p=0.002) was positively associated with sufficient PA levels.
Conclusion: The study demonstrates how clustered healthy behaviors—diet, physical activity, and sleep—co-occur among sufficiently active adolescents. These findings reinforce the need for integrated, school-based health promotion strategies that target multiple lifestyle domains to support adolescent well-being and reduce future health risks.
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