Study of 2,450 students highlights urgent need for better nutrition and pool fitnessAccording to a media report, recent survey covering 2,450 students from Classes 6 to 8 in two leading city schools has revealed that 41% of them are underweight, including 15% severely underweight. Surprisingly, nutrition deficiency was found not only among economically disadvantaged students but also in well-off urban families. In contrast, only 1.5% of students were obese.The study, conducted under the FitQuest initiative by Udgamverse in collaboration with HyperLab, emphasized the growing challenge of hidden malnutrition among school children. The average Body Mass Index (BMI) of the surveyed group was 19.9, within the healthy range of 18.5–24.9.FitQuest aims to assess 14,500 students across Udgamverse schools on both physical and cognitive parameters such as BMI, plank timing, push-ups, sprints, memory, body control, and balance.Manan Choksi, Executive Director of Udgam Group of Schools, said, “FitQuest is not a one-time exercise but an ongoing program that will soon cover over 12,000 additional students from Grades 3 to 12.”Key Findings:Stagnant Growth: Students aged 12 and 14 showed similar physical performance, indicating poor physical development despite age progression.Impact of Sleep: Adequate sleep was strongly linked to better physical growth.Cognition vs. BMI: Students with higher BMI scores performed poorly in concentration and memory tests, while those in the healthy range showed better focus.Nutritional Gap: 41% underweight vs. 1.5% obese reflects widespread nutritional imbalance.The findings highlight the urgent need for balanced diets, regular physical activity, and lifestyle awareness to ensure the well-being of the next generation.
