Relation Between Physical Activities and Dietary Habits in School Children of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Physical activity and dietary habits during childhood play a major role in affecting physical, mental, and cognitive factors in adulthood. Physical inactivity and unhealthy diets may lead to health issues in the future. This study aimed to investigate the relation between dietary habits and physical activity among school children in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study was performed in the capital city, Riyadh of Saudi Arabia and students included in the study were between 5 and 13 years of age who were recruited through an online questionnaire. A total of 122 Saudi students, including 46.8% boys and 53.2% girls, were selected from various schools in Riyadh city. Data on the dietary habits and physical activities of the school children were collected via a questionnaire. The results of the study confirm that 77% of children had a habit of eating fruits and vegetables. Above 60% of children had a habit of drinking soft drinks, and 84.4% of children showed an interest in eating fast food. Approximately 97% of children were addicted to eating snacks and the majority of students appeared to eat 1 h before going to bed in addition to having a habit of eating late dinners. The students were also actively involved in physical activities with 94.3% of the participants undertaking 1-6 h of physical exercise per week, including running and walking. In conclusion, the current study confirms a significantly high correlation of physical activity on consumption of excess fruits and vegetables as part of a dietary pattern and also on consuming high levels of fast foods and soft drinks. One of the major concerns is connected because of late dinner pattern.