Body mass index in relation to level of physical exercise of teacher education students

Abstract

Covid-19 pandemic measures, including lockdown and school closure, possibly affect students' physical activity status. This study aims to describe the body mass index to the level of physical exercise of teacher-education students. The study used the descriptive correlational design method. Pearson r was used to measure the relationship between body mass index and level of physical exercise. A total of 630 students participated in the study. Body mass index revealed that 53.4% and 51.3% were normal for male and female respondents, respectively. Among males, the prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity was 24.4%, 15.3%, and 6.9%, while females were 36.9%, 9.2%, and 2.6%. Male students reported exercising two to three times a week (27.5%), while females reported exercising once a week (31.9%). In contrast, 14.5% and 14.6% among male and female respondents, respectively, reported that they never exercised. The study showed a positive correlation between the level of physical exercise and body mass index r=.094; p