BODY MASS INDEX AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF UNDERGRADUATE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Most parents and teachers unscientifically believe that the overweight persons are sluggish, lazy and sleepy; therefore would not do well in Physical and Health Education (PHE) programme at the University. This study investigated the association of Body Mass Index (BMI) and Academic Performance of undergraduate PHE students at the University of Uyo. Actabit BMI calculator and Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) scores were used to collect data from the 90 (30 males and 60 females) undergraduate students for 2011/12 academic session whose ages range from 17 - 28. Descriptive BMI analysis found 8 underweight, 42 normal weights, 11 overweight, 16 pre-obese and 13 obese. On academic performances, 9 were in 2nd class upper, 47 in 2nd class lower, 26 in 3rd class and 8 in pass categories respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed significant differences in BMI and CGPA, no significant association between body mass and academic performance (F(1,89) = .173; r = .04, R2 =.002; t = .415. P .69 > .05) was observed. Therefore no basis to judge a student generally by body mass profile rather conducive learning environment (science and technology) and genetic (typology and mental) endowments would continue to influence academic performance in PHE and Sports Courses.