BODY MASS INDEX AND LIFESTYLE: DETERMINANTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF CADET FOOTBALL PLAYERS

This cross-sectional study examined the influence of lifestyle predictors—fruit consumption, vegetable consumption, cigarette use, and alcohol intake—on various physical activity indicators (walking, cycling, recreational aerobic exercise,and resistance training) among cadet football players. The sample comprised 163 adolescent football players (Mean_age = 15.58 ± 1.23years) from three Serbian clubs. The multiple regression models explained between 5.8% and 8.2% of the variance in physical activity outcomes. Vegetable consumption (β=0.29, 95% CI [0.12, 0.46], p.01) positively predicted walking and cycling frequency, whereas cigarette use (β = −0.26, 95% CI [−0.42,−0.10], p.05) negatively predicted aerobic and resistance training participation. Despite the relatively low predictive power (R².10), the models provide relevant baseline evidence for understanding behavioral correlates of physical activity in adolescent athletes. Applied relevance: Results highlight the need for integrated training programs that combine physical preparation with health education focused on diet quality and smoking prevention.