Nutritional status, eating habits, and physical activity as predictors of English and Mathematics performances of 7th Graders

Mathematics and English are the two most important subjects that learners should prioritize. Mathematics enhances analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills that are significant across various fields and real-life situations, while English fosters strong communication skills, which are vital for understanding instructions, expressing thoughts, and succeeding in almost every subject and career path. This study explored the predictive effects of nutritional status, eating habits, and physical activity on English and Mathematics performance among 565 seventh-grade students selected through stratified cluster random sampling from two schools in Cabuyao City, Laguna, Philippines, during the 2024–2025 school year. It addressed the gap by examining the mediating role of eating habits in the relationship between physical activity and academic performance in Mathematics and English. The study used valid and reliable instruments and applied multiple regression bootstrap technique, and mediated linear regression bootstrap technique to analysze data. The results showed that most respondents were underweight, had satisfactory English and Mathematics performance, and reported high perceived levels of eating habits and physical activity. Regression analysis revealed that poor eating habits negatively affect performance in both subjects, while increased physical activity improves English scores. Eating habits were found to mediate these effects more strongly in Mathematics (60.9%) than in English (40.1%) and acted as a suppressor variable between physical activity and academic performance. The results have significant implications for English and Mathematics teachers, parents and guardians, organizational supervisors, policymakers, and future researchers.