Running head: HEALTHY LIFESTYLES AND SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENT

The Impact of Healthy Lifestyles on the School Achievement of Adolescents

Breanna Carels

Brandon University

04:700 The Education Process: Developmental Stages

Dr. Alexa Okrainec

July 15, 2019

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES AND SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENT 2

The Impact of Healthy Lifestyles on the School Achievement of Adolescents

Critical development occurs during the adolescent years. Maintaining or developing a

healthy lifestyle which includes regular exercise and nutrition is imperative for adolescents

(Willeboordse et al., 2016, p. 2). Unfortunately, very few adolescents meet the daily

recommendations for physical activity (Argon, Berends, Ellis, & Gonzalez, 2010, p. 528), and

nutritional deficiencies are common because of poor diets (Kuther, 2019, p. 115). Parents, peers,

and schools are all major influencers on an adolescent’s healthy lifestyle. Poor nutrition and

minimal physical activity can have negative effects on the academic performance of adolescents

(Sibley, Ward, Yazvac, Zullig, & Potteiger, 2008, p. 42). Therefore, it is necessary to implement

programs and policies that focus on health, and will ultimately contribute to the overall learning

environment (Sibley et al., 2008, p. 42).

Influences on the Healthy Lifestyles of Adolescents

Obesity is increasing at alarming rates in all developed nations; this is evidence of poor

influences on health (Kuther, 2019, p. 116). Parents play a vital role in the development of

healthy lifestyles for their children. Children are influenced by the healthy options presented by

their parents (Moreno-Maldonado, Ramos, Moreno, & Rivera, 2018, p. 94). Healthy lifestyles

are developed at a young age and are carried out through adolescence and adulthood (Palomäki

et al., 2018, p. 1908). Low socio economic status can have negative effects on the health of

adolescents (Jonsson, Larsson, Berg, Korp, & Lindgren, 2017, p. 1). Healthy options are

generally more costly, so some parents will choose to purchase unhealthy alternatives. At such a

critical growth and developmental stage, adolescents need energy and nutrients (Moreno-

Maldonado et al., 2018, p. 93). Those with a poor diet are also more likely to be less physically

active (Palomäki et al., 2018, p. 1919). Parents lay the groundwork for healthy lifestyles in
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES AND SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENT 3

childhood, but as children transition to adolescence their peers play a significant role in their

lifestyle decisions.

As children transition in to adolescence they seek independence from their parents and

are influenced more heavily by their peers. Peers can negatively affect the eating behaviours and

physical activity of adolescents (Moreno-Maldonado et al., 2018, p. 94). A large percentage of

children do not meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity (Takehara et al., 2019, p.

2). Moving into adolescence activity levels decrease, and some adolescents engage in no regular

physical activity (Kuther, 2019, p. 121). Some adolescents choose not to participate in physical

activities because their friends are not (Jonsson et al., 2017, p. 6). Eating behaviours are also

strongly influenced by peers in the school environment (Moreno-Maldonado et al., 2018, p. 94).

In adolescent years there is an increase in the amount of fast food, soft drinks, and salty snacks

consumed (Kuther, 2019, p. 114). Since school is the social setting in which adolescents interact

with their peers, there should be some focus on the influence of school environments on healthy

habits as well (Moreno-Maldonado et al., 2018, p. 95).

Schools have great potential to influence adolescent health, based on the amount of time

these students are in school. With a large focus on academic performance some public schools

allocate less time to non-traditional academic classes, including physical education (Cosgrove,

Chen, & Castelli, 2018, p. 1). The increase in screen based activities also reduces student’s

interest in physical activities during the school day and at recess (Jonsson et al., 2017, p. 4).

Schools that have unhealthy lunch and snack options available will negatively influence the food

choices of adolescents (Moreno-Maldonado et al., 2018, p. 108). A schools proximity to fast

food restaurants also causes students to eat fewer fruits and vegetables (Kuther, 2019, p. 114).

These students have a tendency to overeat which increases obesity rates in schools near fast food
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES AND SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENT 4

restaurants (Kuther, 2019, p. 118). Healthy choices are influenced by parents, peers, and schools

and can have direct impacts on the academic achievement of adolescents.

Impacts of Healthy Lifestyles on Academic Achievements

Healthy lifestyle choices can have positive impacts on the academic achievements of

adolescents. Exercise and physical activity improve brain function (Takehara et al., 2019, p. 2).

Improved neuroplasticity and cognitive function are a result of using motor skills (Takehara et

al., 2019, p. 2). Adolescents that are more physically fit have better attention, working memory,

response speed, and cognitive processing speed (Desai, Kurpad, Chomitz, & Thomas, 2015, p.

10). Therefore, adolescents can focus and engage in daily classroom activities. The energy

gained from engaging in physical activities can be applied to their academic learning. These

benefits of exercise will translate over to higher test scores on provincial testing and exams

(Desai et al., 2015, p. 8). Adolescents who have a more sedentary lifestyle will show poorer

academic performance and there will be negative effects on brain function (Takehara et al., 2019,

p. 2). Consistent participation in physical activities will improve academic performance but will

also increase the likelihood of having other healthy habits in life.

Beyond the impacts of exercise on academic achievements, there are also many benefits

seen from healthy eating habits. Students that are tested on empty stomach will have poorer test

scores than children that are fed (Sibley et al., 2008, p. 42). Poor diet is associated with poor

school performance (Sibley et al., 2008, p. 42). Rapid brain development occurs during

adolescence. Poor nutrition can impair brain development and cognitive functions (Haapala et

al., 2017, p. 2299). Development can be affected by iron and B vitamin deficiencies (Desai et

al., 2015, p. 2). Unfortunately, adolescents are easily influenced by others and this affects their

eating habits. Consumption of fast food, salty snacks, and sugary drinks has been linked to
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poorer academic achievement (Haapala et al., 2017, p. 2300). Cognitive functioning is supported

by healthy eating behaviours. Individuals that eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, berries, fish, and

nuts will see positive academic results (Haapala et al., 2017, p. 2305). Academic performance

can also be affected by social aspects of healthy choices.

In addition to improved brain function, exercise and healthy eating can result in positive

psychological and social health. Improvement in psychological and social health can impact the

academic performance of adolescents. Improving mood and alleviating stress and anxiety are

results of exercise (Takehara et al., 2019, p. 2). With a clearer mind students will be able to

focus on their academics. Healthy lifestyles can contribute to good mental health (Takehara et

al., 2019, p. 2). Depression and body dissatisfaction will not be issues that negatively affect

academic achievement (Kuther, 2019, p. 118). Unfortunately, children that are obese are more at

risk for rejection by their peers (Kuther, 2019, p. 118). With a lifestyle that has strong healthy

habits; adolescents will have more confidence and a higher self-esteem, which have direct

impacts on performance in school (Takehara et al., 2019, p. 2).

School Programs and Initiatives to Promote Healthy Lifestyles

Students spend a significant amount of time in a school environment. Therefore, schools

play a vital role in arranging physical activity periods and providing healthy eating options

(Argon et al., 2010, p. 528). In terms of physical activity, as children transition to adolescence

there is a decline in the amount of sports participation (Palomäki et al., 2018, p. 1909). Some

schools also reduce the amount of physical activity time in favour of more academic instruction

time (Zach, Shoval, & Lidor, 2017, p. 708). There is no evidence that including more academic

instruction time gives students an academic advantage (Zach et al., 2017, p. 708). These

decreases in physical activity during adolescence can contribute to obesity, mental health issues,
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and reduced cognitive functioning which all negatively affects academic performance (Kuther,

2019, p. 121). Adolescents spend a large portion of their time in school; therefore, schools have

the responsibility to encourage physical activity participation (Zach et al., 2017, p. 708). Schools

should have scheduled class time for physical education, but teachers should also encourage

students to take brain breaks that involve movement. After school sports programs will also

encourage healthy fitness habits. Reducing screen time and encouraging students to get outdoors

and enjoy nature and recess are also good options (Kuther, 2019, p. 119). Knowing there is a

significant relationship between academic achievement and physical activity levels, schools

should implement and encourage daily physical movement (Zach et al., 2017, p. 703).

There is such value put into receiving a good education and finding success with it.

Knowing the value of education, and the role a healthy diet has on academic success, nutrition

plans need to be implemented (Haapala et al., 2017, p. 2300). Breakfast is one of the most

important meals of the day and contributes to daily energy (Mhurchu et al., 2010, p. 738). Not

all children arrive at school having eaten a nutritious breakfast, and this can impact their ability

to learn new information. A school breakfast program has many benefits and would be a great

way for students to start their day (Mhurchu et al., 2010, p. 739). Consuming breakfast can lead

to better school attendance, improved fitness levels, and academic achievement (Mhurchu et al.,

2010, p. 738). Simply providing a few healthy options could make a world of difference for

some students.

Children will have snacks and lunch while they are at school as well. Developing a

school environment that offers healthy choices to students will support healthy lifestyles (Ozer,

2007, p. 853). Schools that offer lunch programs should be sure to plan well rounded meals that

meet the dietary needs of youth (Haapala et al., 2017, p. 2306). There has been a move away
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from vending machines that have many sugary drink options (Ozer, 2007, p. 853). Making

healthy options available, and removing the unhealthy options, will take away the temptation of

unhealthy snacking. Teachers should also avoid using candy rewards for good classroom

behavior (Ozer, 2007, p. 853). An initiative that classroom teachers could consider is developing

a school garden. School gardens allow students to take part in the process of planting and

harvesting healthy foods (Ozer, 2007, p. 847). The manual labour of harvesting a garden

provides students with some exercise. They are then able to eat and cook nutritious meals with

the food they harvest. There are several academic ties to having a school garden, plus the

additional benefits of higher cognitive functioning from the healthy diets (Ozer, 2007, p. 855).

Conclusion

Healthy habits can be negatively or positively influenced by parents, peers, and the

school environment. Healthy lifestyles, which include regular physical activities and a nutritious

diet, can show tremendous benefits in academic performance. Healthy choices lead to improved

brain function and social health. Knowing the benefits of healthy habits, schools need to create

programs and incentives that encourage and support health. Daily time dedicated to physical

fitness and promotion of after school programs are necessary. Schools should also consider

breakfast programs, healthy lunch and snack options, and developing school gardens. Health is

incredibly important to the development of adolescents, and needs to be promoted and supported

by those within their environment.

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