Correlations among physical activity and eating behaviors in 4-to 7-year-old Anglo- and Mexican-American children

Physical activity and dietary behaviors are often correlated in adults and adolescents. This association was examined in 351 Anglo- and Mexican-Americ an children between the ages of 4 and 7 years. Behaviors were assessed by s tructured observations and interviews at home and school. Observed physical activity was significantly correlated with energy intake (r = .43), but wa s unrelated to the percentage of calories from total fat or saturated fat. Thus, interventions with young children to improve dietary behavior or phys ical activity should not be expected to automatically lead to changes in th e other.