Health, fitness and wellbeing
Exam-style questions with answers for 3.2.3 Health, fitness and wellbeing in AQA GCSE Physical Education (spec 8582). Practise with flashcards, a topic quiz, a random quiz across the course, 5 crosswords, or read every question and answer below.
All questions and answers
Question 1 · Spec 3.2.3.1 · Physical health
State two physical health benefits of regular exercise. [2 marks]
Answer:Any two from: improves heart function (1); reduces the risk of illnesses such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes (1); helps maintain a healthy weight (1); improves fitness (1).Question 2 · Spec 3.2.3.1 · Emotional health
State two emotional (mental) health benefits of exercise. [2 marks]
Answer:Any two from: reduces stress and tension (1); releases serotonin, making you feel good (1); helps control emotions (1); improves self-esteem and confidence (1).Question 3 · Spec 3.2.3.1 · Social health
State two social health benefits of exercise. [2 marks]
Answer:Any two from: makes new friends (1); improves cooperation and teamwork (1); develops a sense of belonging (1); essential human needs are met (1).Question 4 · Spec 3.2.3.1 · Fitness
Explain how exercise improves fitness and reduces illness. [2 marks]
Answer:Regular exercise improves the components of fitness (1); which helps people meet the demands of daily life and reduces the risk of ill health (1).Question 5 · Spec 3.2.3.1 · Wellbeing
Explain how taking part in a team sport can improve social wellbeing. [2 marks]
Answer:Players work together and develop friendships (1); feeling part of a group (1).Question 6 · Spec 3.2.3.1 · Health
Explain the link between physical activity and mental wellbeing. [2 marks]
Answer:Exercise releases serotonin and endorphins (1); which improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression (1).Question 7 · Spec 3.2.3.2 · Sedentary lifestyle
Define a sedentary lifestyle. [1 mark]
Answer:A lifestyle where there is little, irregular or no physical activity.Question 8 · Spec 3.2.3.2 · Sedentary lifestyle
State four consequences of a sedentary lifestyle. [4 marks]
Answer:Any four from: weight gain or obesity (1); heart disease (1); hypertension (1); type 2 diabetes (1); poor sleep (1); poor self-esteem (1); lethargy (1).Question 9 · Spec 3.2.3.2 · Obesity
Explain how obesity limits performance in physical activity. [2 marks]
Answer:Any two from: limits stamina or cardiovascular endurance (1); limits flexibility (1); limits agility (1); limits speed and power (1).Question 10 · Spec 3.2.3.2 · Obesity
State two physical health effects of obesity. [2 marks]
Answer:Any two from: cancer (1); heart disease (1); high blood pressure (1); type 2 diabetes (1).Question 11 · Spec 3.2.3.2 · Obesity
State two emotional or social health effects of obesity. [2 marks]
Answer:Any two from: depression (1); loss of confidence (1); inability to socialise (1); inability to leave home (1).Question 12 · Spec 3.2.3.2 · Obesity
Explain why obesity is a greater problem in some sports than others. [1 mark]
Answer:In sports needing speed and endurance it limits performance, though in some roles, e.g. sumo wrestling, extra weight can help.Question 13 · Spec 3.2.3.2 · Somatotypes
Name the three somatotypes. [3 marks]
Answer:Ectomorph (1); endomorph (1); mesomorph (1).Question 14 · Spec 3.2.3.2 · Somatotypes
Describe an ectomorph and suggest a suitable sport. [2 marks]
Answer:Tall and thin with narrow shoulders and hips (1); suited to high jump or long-distance running (1).Question 15 · Spec 3.2.3.2 · Somatotypes
Describe an endomorph and suggest a suitable sport. [2 marks]
Answer:Pear-shaped, with wide hips and narrow shoulders and more body fat (1); suited to sumo wrestling or shot put (1).Question 16 · Spec 3.2.3.2 · Somatotypes
Describe a mesomorph and suggest a suitable sport. [2 marks]
Answer:Muscular, with wide shoulders and a narrow waist (1); suited to sprinting, gymnastics or rugby (1).Question 17 · Spec 3.2.3.3 · Energy use
State the average daily calorie intake for men and women. [2 marks]
Answer:Men: 2500 calories (1); women: 2000 calories (1).Question 18 · Spec 3.2.3.3 · Energy use
State three factors that affect the number of calories a person needs. [3 marks]
Answer:Any three from: age (1); gender (1); height (1); energy expenditure (activity level) (1).Question 19 · Spec 3.2.3.3 · Energy balance
Explain what happens if a person's energy intake is greater than their energy expenditure. [1 mark]
Answer:They gain weight, as the extra energy is stored as fat.Question 20 · Spec 3.2.3.3 · Balanced diet
State three reasons for having a balanced diet. [3 marks]
Answer:Any three from: provides energy (1); provides nutrients for growth and repair (1); helps maintain a healthy weight (1); improves performance and recovery (1).Question 21 · Spec 3.2.3.3 · Carbohydrates
State the role of carbohydrates and the percentage of the diet they should make up. [2 marks]
Answer:The main and preferred source of energy for all types of exercise (1); 55–60% of the diet (1).Question 22 · Spec 3.2.3.3 · Fats
State the role of fat and the percentage of the diet it should make up. [2 marks]
Answer:A source of energy for low-intensity exercise (1); 25–30% of the diet (1).Question 23 · Spec 3.2.3.3 · Protein
State the role of protein and the percentage of the diet it should make up. [2 marks]
Answer:Growth and repair of muscle tissue (1); 15–20% of the diet (1).Question 24 · Spec 3.2.3.3 · Protein
Explain why power athletes may increase protein intake. [1 mark]
Answer:To help build and repair muscle tissue after strength training.Question 25 · Spec 3.2.3.3 · Vitamins and minerals
State the role of vitamins and minerals. [2 marks]
Answer:They help the body work properly and stay healthy (1); e.g. calcium for strong bones, iron for red blood cells (1).Question 26 · Spec 3.2.3.3 · Fibre
State the role of fibre. [1 mark]
Answer:It aids digestion and prevents constipation.Question 27 · Spec 3.2.3.3 · Water
State two reasons why water is important. [2 marks]
Answer:Any two from: prevents dehydration (1); regulates body temperature through sweating (1); transports nutrients and removes waste (1); keeps blood thin (1).Question 28 · Spec 3.2.3.3 · Dehydration
State three effects of dehydration on performance. [3 marks]
Answer:Any three from: blood thickens (increased viscosity), slowing blood flow (1); increased heart rate (1); increased body temperature (overheating) (1); slower reaction time and poorer decision making (1); muscle fatigue and cramps (1).Question 29 · Spec 3.2.3.3 · Hydration
State two ways a performer can maintain hydration. [2 marks]
Answer:Drink water or isotonic drinks before, during and after exercise (1); especially in hot conditions or long events (1).Question 30 · Spec 3.2.3.3 · Carbohydrate loading
Explain why a marathon runner would carbohydrate load. [2 marks]
Answer:To increase glycogen stores in the muscles and liver (1); delaying fatigue in long endurance events (1).Question 31 · Spec 3.2.3.3 · Balanced diet
Explain why a sprinter and a marathon runner have different diets. [2 marks]
Answer:A marathon runner needs more carbohydrate for energy over a long time (1); a sprinter needs more protein to build and repair muscle (1).Question 32 · Spec 3.2.3.3 · Energy use
Explain why a cyclist in the Tour de France needs more calories than average. [1 mark]
Answer:They use much more energy, so need a higher intake to balance expenditure.Question 33 · Spec 3.2.3.1 · Health
Explain how exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease. [2 marks]
Answer:Exercise strengthens the heart muscle (1); and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing fatty deposits in arteries (1).Question 34 · Spec 3.2.3.1 · Health
Explain how exercise reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. [1 mark]
Answer:It helps maintain a healthy weight and improves the body's response to insulin.Question 35 · Spec 3.2.3.1 · Social health
Explain how exercise can help an elderly person's social health. [1 mark]
Answer:Joining a club or class reduces isolation and loneliness.Question 36 · Spec 3.2.3.2 · Sedentary lifestyle
Explain how a sedentary lifestyle can cause poor sleep. [1 mark]
Answer:The body is not tired by activity, so it is harder to fall asleep.Question 37 · Spec 3.2.3.2 · Sedentary lifestyle
Explain how technology has contributed to sedentary lifestyles. [2 marks]
Answer:Video games, TV and phones encourage sitting for long periods (1); and cars and lifts reduce walking (1).Question 38 · Spec 3.2.3.2 · Obesity
Define obesity. [1 mark]
Answer:A term used to describe people who are very overfat (body fat above 30%).Question 39 · Spec 3.2.3.2 · Obesity
Explain why obesity limits flexibility. [1 mark]
Answer:Excess fat around joints restricts the range of movement.Question 40 · Spec 3.2.3.3 · Fats
Explain why a diet high in saturated fat is unhealthy. [1 mark]
Answer:It raises cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease.Question 41 · Spec 3.2.3.3 · Hydration
Explain why sports drinks are used in endurance events. [2 marks]
Answer:They replace fluids lost through sweat (1); and provide carbohydrates and electrolytes (1).Question 42 · Spec 3.2.3.3 · Energy use
A performer eats 2800 calories and uses 2500. Explain the effect over time. [1 mark]
Answer:They will gain weight, as there is a surplus of 300 calories a day.Question 43 · Spec 3.2.3.1 · Wellbeing
State two ways exercise can improve self-esteem. [2 marks]
Answer:Any two from: improved body image (1); achieving goals and success (1); positive feedback from others (1).Question 44 · Spec 3.2.3.1 · Stress
Explain how exercise relieves stress. [1 mark]
Answer:It releases endorphins and distracts the mind from worries.Question 45 · Spec 3.2.3.3 · Diet timing
Explain why a performer should avoid a large meal just before exercise. [2 marks]
Answer:Blood is diverted to the digestive system (1); so less reaches the working muscles, which can cause cramp or discomfort (1).Question 46 · Spec 3.2.3.3 · Carbohydrates
Give two examples of foods high in carbohydrate. [2 marks]
Answer:Any two from: pasta (1); rice (1); bread (1); potatoes (1).Question 47 · Spec 3.2.3.3 · Protein
Give two examples of foods high in protein. [2 marks]
Answer:Any two from: meat (1); fish (1); eggs (1); beans or pulses (1).Question 48 · Spec 3.2.3.2 · Somatotypes
Explain why a mesomorph is suited to sprinting. [1 mark]
Answer:They have a high proportion of muscle, giving strength and power.Question 49 · Spec 3.2.3.2 · Somatotypes
Explain why an ectomorph is suited to long-distance running. [1 mark]
Answer:Low body weight means less mass to carry over long distances.Question 50 · Spec 3.2.3.3 · Vitamins and minerals
Explain why iron is important for an endurance athlete. [1 mark]
Answer:It is needed to make haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in red blood cells.