The Relationship Between Physical Activity And Body Mass Index In Elementary School’s Students

Made Kurnia Widiastuti Giri (Departemen Ilmu Kesehatan Masyarakat, Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha)
Ketut Parining (Program Studi Profesi Pendidikan Dokter, Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha)
Putu Ayu Aprilia Saraswati (Program Studi Profesi Pendidikan Dokter, Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha)
Anak Agung Ayu Mutiara Parameswari (Program Studi Profesi Pendidikan Dokter, Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha)
I Gede Kawihana (Program Studi Profesi Pendidikan Dokter, Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha)
Ayu Komang Awidya Maha Dewi (Program Studi Profesi Pendidikan Dokter, Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha)
Desak Putu Ramita Pratiwi (Program Studi Profesi Pendidikan Dokter, Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha)

GANESHA MEDICINA
Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026):

Physical activity is essential for maintaining energy balance and preventing obesity, while Body Mass Index (BMI) serves as a simple indicator of nutritional status in school-aged children. This study aimed to examine the relationship between physical activity and BMI among sixth-grade students. An observational analytic design with a cross-sectional approach was applied, involving 60 students in SDN 3 Seririt elementary school, who met the inclusion criteria. Physical activity was assessed using a questionnaire, and BMI was calculated from weight and height measurements. Data were analyzed with the Spearman Rank test. Results showed that 46.67% of students had moderate physical activity, while BMI distribution included 60% normal, 5% underweight, 13.33% overweight, 20% obese, and 1.67% severe obesity. Statistical analysis revealed a p-value of 0.0033 (p < 0.05) with a weak negative correlation (r = -0.276). These findings indicate a significant relationship between physical activity and BMI in the study population.