Surveyed personal ad writers to examine the actual preferences of those seeking thin partners, those seeking physically fit partners, or those with no preference. Respondents indicated ideal and acceptable partner body sizes. Males in the three categories differed significantly in choice of an ideal figure, though actual figure size differences…

We use panel data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth to investigate on-the-job exercise and weight. For male workers, job-related exercise has causal effects on weight, but for female workers, the effects seem primarily selective. A man who spends 18 years in the most physical fitness-demanding occupation is about 25 pounds (14…

The 10-volume "Health Facts" series is intended to supplement health education curricula and to provide a handy reference for individuals who would like additional background information on particular health topics. The emphasis is placed on topics and examples relevant to youth of middle and high school age. The five sections in this…

The study sought to identify reliable measurements for estimating energy stores of retarded adults (N=80) and possible correlations between energy intakes and obesity. Among results were a lack of significant correlations between caloric intake and anthropometric measures (e.g., tricepts skinfold). Body mass index is suggested as a more practical…

Athletes can achieve their full potential and develop good eating habits for the future through proper diet and weight control. The basics of nutrition are as important as the basic skills of the sports in which athletes participate. (CJ)

This study, designed to determine the effect of a prolonged running bout on the measurement of percent fat, produced erroneously low readings. It is suggested that previous exercise and state of hydration of subjects should be controlled prior to percent fat determination by hydrostatic weighing or scintillation counting. (MJB)

This study was designed to test the tenability of the following hypothesis: that body weight and displacement are factors to consider when prescribing exercise or assessing physical fitness status. Work output was calculated for each subject on four exercises (situp, pullup, pushup, and vertical jump). There was a significant correlation between…

A summer day camp program featuring supervised physical activity, behavioral management, nutrition education, and family involvement helped obese children (N=13) to modify their physical fitness levels and reduce their health risk. (CB)

Menopause is associated with many different health effects and symptoms. This paper explains that regular exercise can play a critical role in protecting health and battling the increased risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, pelvic floor atrophy, and joint stiffness associated with menopause. Exercise programs for menopausal women should…

A "Nutrition and Fitness through Visual Learning Program" is designed to help mentally retarded persons select nutritious foods; prepare a nutritious lunch semi-independently; participate in a daily physical fitness program; and develop auditory comprehension, verbal expression, and communication skills. The project uses an instant camera to…

Body composition refers to the types and amounts of tissues which make up the body. The most acceptable method for assessing body composition is underwater weighing. A subcutaneous skinfold provides a quantitative measurement of fat below the skin. The skinfold technique permits a valid estimate of the body's total fat content. (JN)

This study describes the endurance capacities and anthropometric characteristics of highly-trained, female, teenaged, distance runners. (MM)

The article discusses research indicating that the physical education teacher's appearance strongly influences students' receptivity to instruction and presents recommendations to ensure more physically fit physical education majors. (CB)