Assessment of Physical Activity Levels and Dietary Practices Among Young Adults

Abstract

Physical activity and proper nutrition are essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. This study aimed to assess the physical activity patterns and nutritional habits of individuals aged 18–22 years and above. A survey was conducted among 120 participants to gather information on demographic characteristics, exercise preferences, workout intensity, indoor and outdoor activities, dietary practices, protein and fiber intake, supplement usage, grocery expenditure, motivations for physical activity, barriers to exercise, and sources of fitness-related information. The findings revealed that maintaining weight was the primary reason for engaging in regular physical activity, followed by stress reduction and improvement of cardiovascular health. Most participants reported consuming protein-rich foods several times per week, indicating awareness of the importance of nutrition in supporting health and fitness. The study also identified various barriers to maintaining physical activity and highlighted the strategies adopted by participants to overcome these challenges. Regular physical activity was found to be associated with both physical and mental health benefits, including improved fitness, stress management, and overall quality of life.

Introduction

Stress has become a major challenge in modern life, negatively affecting both mental and physical health. Research shows that regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to manage stress and improve overall well-being. Exercise not only enhances physical fitness but also supports mental health, social relationships, and quality of life.

Physical activity includes activities such as walking, running, cycling, swimming, strength training, yoga, and team sports. Exercise reduces stress by stimulating the release of endorphins, which improve mood and counteract stress hormones like cortisol. Regular activity also improves cardiovascular health, blood pressure regulation, immune function, and overall resilience to stress.

Beyond physical benefits, exercise strengthens self-esteem, confidence, and emotional stability. It provides a healthy outlet for tension, anxiety, and negative emotions while fostering social interaction and community support through group activities. Mind-body exercises such as yoga and Tai Chi further promote relaxation, mindfulness, and emotional balance.

Regular physical activity offers numerous health benefits, including improved heart health, weight management, muscle strength, flexibility, bone health, immune function, sleep quality, and prevention of chronic diseases such as diabetes, stroke, and certain cancers. It also contributes to longer life expectancy and a better quality of life.

Stress can result from external factors such as work pressure, financial difficulties, health problems, and life changes, as well as internal factors including negative thinking, perfectionism, anxiety, depression, and unhealthy lifestyle habits. Effective stress management involves regular exercise, healthy nutrition, adequate sleep, relaxation techniques, positive thinking, time management, social support, and professional help when necessary.

A survey of 120 participants aged 18–22 years and above examined physical activity and nutritional habits. Results showed that:

• 41.4% frequently consumed protein-rich foods, while 15% consumed them daily.
• The main reason for exercising was weight management (38.3%), followed by stress reduction (24.8%) and improving cardiovascular health (21.1%).
• To overcome barriers to physical activity, 50% of participants focused on their fitness goals and desired outcomes.

Conclusion

Physical activity and proper nutrition are essential components of a healthy lifestyle and contribute significantly to overall well-being. Regular participation in physical activity helps maintain a healthy body weight, improves cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles and bones, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. In addition to its physical benefits, exercise plays a crucial role in promoting mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression while enhancing self-esteem, confidence, and emotional well-being. The findings of this survey indicate that participants recognize the importance of physical activity for various reasons, including weight management, stress reduction, and cardiovascular health. However, barriers such as lack of motivation, time constraints, and physical discomfort may affect regular participation in exercise. Adopting effective coping strategies, seeking social support, and maintaining a balanced diet can help individuals overcome these challenges and sustain healthy habits. Therefore, increasing awareness about the benefits of physical activity and nutrition is essential for encouraging healthier lifestyle choices and improving long-term health outcomes.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Dr. V. Krupa Satyavedam. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.