Nutritional status, eating habits, and physical activity as predictors of English and Mathematics performances of 7th Graders
Noel P. Munda & Ronald E. Uy
Abstract
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.
Keywords
nutritional status, eating habits, physical activity, English, mathematics, academic performances
Author information & Contribution
Noel P. Munda. Corresponding author. Doctor of Philosophy major in Mathematics Education, Master Teacher I, DepEd Mamatid National High School, Cabuyao City. Email: noel.munda@deped.gov.ph
Ronald E. Uy. Master of Arts in Education major in English, Head Teacher I/Assistant Principal I, DepEd Mamatid National High School, Cabuyao City. Email: ronald.uy@deped.gov.ph
"All authors equally contributed to the conception, design, preparation, data gathering and analysis, and writing of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript."
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Funding
This work was not supported by any funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement
This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical guidelines set by the Schools Division Research Committee (SDRC) of the Department of Education Cabuyao City. The conduct of this study has been approved and given relative clearance(s) by SDRC - Department of Education Cabuyao City.
AI Declaration
The author declares the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in writing this paper. In particular, the author used ChatGPT and DeepSeek in summarizing key points and paraphrasing ideas. The authors take full responsibility in ensuring proper review and editing of contents generated using AI.
Notes
Acknowledgement
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Cite this article:
Munda, N.P. & Uy, R.E. (2025). Nutritional status, eating habits, and physical activity as predictors of English and Mathematics performances of 7th Graders. International Journal of Educational Management and Development Studies, 6(3), 79-101. https://doi.org/10.53378/ijemds.353238
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