Behaviors and behavioral determinants related to diet and physical activity--National Youth Physical Activity and Nutrition Study, United States, 2010

Background. Physical activity and a healthy diet can decrease adolescents' risk for obesity, yet few national studies have provided an in-depth assessment of behaviors and behavioral determinants related to physical activity and nutrition. Purpose. The National Youth Physical Activity and Nutrition Study (NYPANS) measures the prevalence of behaviors and behavioral determinants related to adolescent physical activity and nutrition. Significance. Data are needed to help develop effective school-based obesity prevention programs. Methodology. NYPANS obtained nationally representative data from public- and private-school students in grades 9-12 (n=11,429). Students completed an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire in their classrooms during a regular class period in spring 2010. Findings/Results. Students participated in a range of physical activities during the 12 months before the survey, with prevalence ranging from 5.0% for ice hockey to 83.9% for walking. In addition, 52.5% of students enjoyed the physical education classes they took at school, although male students (62.0%) were more likely than female students (42.8%) to agree with this statement. During the 7 days before the survey, 41.4% of students consumed regular soda, sports drinks, or other sugar-sweetened beverages daily, with black students more likely than both white and Hispanic students to report daily consumption. Nationwide, 71.8% of students attended a school with a vending machine they can use to purchase such beverages. Conclusions/Recommendations. These and other results from NYPANS can be used to develop obesity prevention programs that address specific behaviors and behavioral determinants, and target subgroups in which behaviors and behavioral determinants related to obesity are most prevalent.