Relationship Between Physical Activity, BMI, And Academic Performance Among Hispanic College Freshmen In South Texas

Freshman year is a critical phase in college, marked by significant physiological and behavioral transitions. Healthy behaviors during this period are key predictors of academic achievement. However, only limited research has focused on first-year Hispanic college students' health and physical activity (PA) and their relationship to academic success. PURPOSE: This study investigated the relationship between PA level, body mass index (BMI), and academic performance among Hispanic first-year college students in South Texas. METHODS: 307 Hispanic college freshmen (93% Mexican American, average age = 18.45 ± 1.11 years) from three South Texas universities reported their PA levels using a questionnaire and a fitness tracker. BMI was calculated from height and body mass, and GPA data were obtained from the university registrar's offices. Multivariate regression analyzed the relationships between biophysical variables (BMI, body fat, body fat mass, cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose), PA level, and academic performance. RESULTS: The average BMI was 26.67 ± 6.39 kg/m2, and the average GPA was 2.88 ± 1.06 out of 4 points. 47% of participants were categorized as underweight/normal, 28.6% as overweight, and 23.5% as obese. Only 15% of participants engaged in moderate to high levels of PA. A multivariate regression analysis revealed a significant model incorporating a set of biophysical variables (F(8,178) = 2.63, p < 0.01), explaining 9.4% of the variance in GPA. Among various biophysical variables, only BMI was a significant predictor of the GPA (b = -0.039, p < 0.01). Overall, students classified as overweight or obese had lower GPAs than those who were underweight/normal. A higher PA level was linked to a higher GPA (p < 0.01). Regression results revealed fewer steps per day, and being overweight or obese were each associated with a lower GPA across the first year. CONCLUSIONS: Hispanic first-year students in South Texas are at high risk for unhealthy BMI and low PA levels, both of which negatively impact their academic achievement in the first semester of college life. The findings highlight the importance of identifying first-year college students’ modifiable at-risk health behaviors. Early intervention and support can help improve first-year college students' health status and academic performance. Supported by: Meadow Foundation