Perception of physical activity in high school students

High school students are in a transitional phase due to changes in their eating and social habits and are exposed to consuming foods with low nutritional value. This is a stage where good eating habits and the adoption of regular exercise can be defined and reinforced for their future stages, contributing to a better quality of life. The objective of this study was to understand the perception of physical activity among high school students. A total of 503 students participated, with a gender distribution of 53% female and 47% male. Notably, a significant number of students indicated that they would pursue undergraduate studies in the natural sciences and health sciences. The data obtained show that most participants do engage in physical activity for 30, 60, or more minutes per day. They reported that the main factor contributing to health problems is poor diet, and that their primary motivation for exercising is aesthetics. They also acknowledged that time spent using technology can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle.