Prof. Dr. Maya van Gent is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Movement Science at the University of Fort Hare, South Africa. Her research focuses on adolescent health, with a specific emphasis on body composition, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention. She has led and contributed to several nationally funded research projects through the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and the National Research Foundation (NRF), with outputs that support both policy and practice in school and community health. She has served in academic leadership roles, including Head of Department and Acting Deputy Dean, and plays a pivotal role in postgraduate supervision across Honours, Master’s, and PhD levels. Prof. van Gent also contributes to curriculum development, programme reviews, and national teaching and learning initiatives in health sciences. Internationally, she has spearheaded research collaborations with Hasselt University in Belgium and Uppsala University in Sweden, and is currently co-developing a joint PhD program. She is an active contributor to national health advocacy efforts such as the Healthy Active Kids South Africa (HAKSA) initiative, where she led the Nutritional Status working group. In addition to her academic work, she leads community-based interventions that promote physical activity, mental well-being, and nutritional education among youth in underserved regions. Her work reflects a strong commitment to integrating science-based evidence with real-world application, with the aim of improving adolescent health outcomes and building capacity in the African research and education landscape.

Empowering Adolescents through Evidence-Based Body Composition and Physical Activity Interventions

Adolescents face increasing health challenges linked to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), often rooted in poor physical activity levels, unhealthy body composition, and psychosocial stress. This presentation explores a holistic, science-based study conducted in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, which integrates physical, behavioral, and psychological data to better understand adolescent NCD risk and promote sustainable health solutions. The research involved over 250 adolescents aged 12–18, assessing anthropometric measures, body composition (including BMI, fat percentage, and waist-to-hip ratio), physical activity levels, and mental well-being indicators. Findings revealed that higher body fat percentages and lower physical activity were strongly associated with increased NCD risk. Additionally, gender and school context influenced both physical and psychological health outcomes. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3, the study emphasizes early identification of risk through accessible and age-appropriate tools, alongside targeted school-based interventions. These include structured physical activity, peer support, and health education, fostering both physical and emotional resilience. This presentation further highlights the importance of interdisciplinary strategies that empower adolescents through knowledge, active participation, and supportive environments. By focusing on locally relevant, evidence-based practices, we can address both immediate health risks and long-term well-being, particularly in underserved communities. Ultimately, this research contributes to a global movement advocating for holistic youth health strategies that are equitable, scalable, and grounded in science.