Extracurricular Sports Participation and Sedentary Behavior in Association with Dietary Habits and Obesity Risk in Children and Adolescents and the Role of Family Structure: a Literature Review.

Increased participation in extracurricular sports was associated with a healthier dietary pattern, containing more "non-obesogenic" food choices. Opposite results were indicated by sedentary activities. Increased time in watching TV, computer/electronic games, and other screen devices was positively associated with unhealthy dietary patterns. Overall, extracurricular activities influence the quality of food choices, which may prevent or promote childhood obesity; thus, sport-related activities should be promoted through public health policies. The role of the family structure is contradictory.