Physical inactivity remains the fourth major cause of mortality globally. The World Health Organisation advises children and adolescents to engage in moderate physical activity for at least 60 minutes a day to preserve health and prevent various chronic diseases. Overweight and obesity in childhood are increasing, in addition to in adulthood. 

Recent research determined the level of nutrition and physical activity of younger school children and the differences between girls and boys. It included 265 participants of younger school age and found that girls and boys have a normal nutritional level in the first and third grades, while the girls and boys of the second and fourth grades have an elevated level of body mass index (BMI). It also found that most girls and boys of a younger school age engage themselves in sports in their free time and spend approximately 2 to 3 hours a day outdoors. Boys usually train three times/week, while girls train two times/week, with the average boys′ training lasting for 60 and the girls′ training for 75 minutes.

Benassi L, Blažević I, Janković D. Physical activity and nutrition of children in primary education, Economic Research-Ekonomska Istraživanja. 2022;35(1): 2654-2667. DOI: 10.1080/1331677X.2021.1974307