Relationship Between Physical Activity and Obesity Incidence Among Vocational School Students in Medan City in 2025

Abstract

Obesity is an increasingly prevalent health problem with long-term impacts on quality of life, and lifestyle changes, particularly low levels of physical activity, contribute significantly to its rising incidence. This study aims to analyze the relationship between physical activity and the incidence of obesity among vocational high school students in Medan City in 2025. The research employed an observational study with a cross-sectional design, conducted in four vocational high schools selected through cluster random sampling from a total of 14 schools, with a sample of 320 students chosen using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire to assess physical activity levels and measurements of Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine obesity status, while bivariate analysis was performed using the chi-square test. The results showed a significant relationship between physical activity and the incidence of obesity (p = 0.001), highlighting the importance of interventions aimed at increasing physical activity among adolescents, both through structured school-based sports programs and the promotion of daily physical habits such as walking or cycling.