Results from South Africa’s 2022 report card on physical activity, body composition and nutrition

Background. The Global 4.0 matrix emanated from the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance assessing global levels and trends in child and adolescent physical activity. The South African 2022 Report Card included for the second time, data on nutritional status and body composition. Physical activity and nutrition can have an impact on body composition and overall health hence the inclusion of the latter indicator. More than 50% of South African children lived below poverty line and so the inclusion of nutrition as an indicator is important. Purpose. This study aims to report the physical activity, body composition and nutrition status of South African children and adolescents, based on the findings from the 2022 Healthy Active Kids South Africa Report Card. Methods. A comprehensive literature search of online databases along with hand searching and a grey literature search was conducted based on the indicators of physical activity, body composition and nutrition indicators defined by the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance. These indicators were compared with results from the 2018 Healthy Active Kids South Africa Report Card. Results. Compared to 2018, there was an improvement in the majority of physical activity indicators. Body composition and most of the nutrition indicators remained unchanged. The indicators that regressed from 2018-2022 included community and environmental influences, as well as organised sports participation. Despite the apparent improvement in overall physical activity levels in children and adolescents, there is a lack of tangible evidence of the actual implementation of new policies and programmes. There was also a lack of nationally representative data for most indicators. Conclusion. Overall, there is a need to identify intersectoral, equitable approaches for promoting physical activity and healthy eating in South African children and adolescents. Practical Implications. There is a need for further research, including surveillance, on all indicators, for future Report Cards.