Link between health and academic achievement

A study published in CDC’s September 8^th issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) consolidates the association between student health and academic grades. The study confirms that high school students who lack physical activity and inadequate nutrition, also reported lower academic marks.

 Using information gathered from the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), in the United States, researchers in CDC’s Healthy Schools investigated the relationships between 10 dietary, physical activity, and sedentary risk behaviors and one measure of academic achievement. Grades surveyed were 9-12.

Researchers found that students who reported higher grades are more likely to engage in physical activity for at least 60 minutes a day on 5 or more days and play on at least one sports team. They were also less likely to watch television or play video games for 3 or more hours per day.

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.