Carolyn A. Corder, MS, RD, DJC, P. O. Box 178, Bryn Mawr, CA 92318, 909-793-4010, DJC7@msn.com

Objectives: This study examined self-reported physical education (PE) class attendance as related to body mass index, attitudes toward body weight, dieting behaviors, frequency of protective food intake, and risky behaviors of middle and high school students. Methods: Data from the 1999 and 2001 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys and 2000 local survey were analyzed for 3852 middle and 4541 high school students in the City of San Bernardino, California. Results: Overall self-reported exercise frequency was highly correlated with PE class attendance. Body Mass Index was weakly correlated with days attended and minutes spent exercising in PE class. Less than half of high school students attended PE class five days a week. Univariate analyses suggest that younger students and boys were more likely to attend PE class, spend more time actually exercising in class, and participate on multiple sports teams. Students did not seem to associate PE class exercise with trying to manage weight. PE class attendance is positively correlated with frequency of consuming fruits, vegetables, milk, and fruit juice. Absenteeism and school delinquency impact PE class involvement. Conclusions: School policies that encourage attending PE class increase the physical activity level of adolescents and may be associated with an improved quality of diet, lower risk for obesity, and less delinquency on campus. Knowledgeable and skilled PE teachers are in a position to positively influence the health and behavior of their students.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. List two benefits of physical education class attendance for adolescents.
• 2. Explain how age or grade level influences physical activity patterns of adolescents.
• 3. Identify strengths in the school system which promote healthy weight management

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Physical Activity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.