Background: Much is said about the importance of physical activity to improve lung function in people with some kind of respiratory disease, however, there are few studies comparing long-term impact of physical activity on lung function among regular physical activity practitioners without complaints or history of lung disease. The objective of this study was to observe the relationship between time of physical activity, nutritional status and lung function variables in Brazilian adults. Methods: a descriptive exploratory study was conducted with 799 individuals (268 men and 531 women) aged between 18 and 59 years old who participate in physical activity programs offered by a municipal sports and recreation department. The volunteers were subjected to forced spirometry test to collect data concerning: values of Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume on the first second (FEV1) and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF). Additionally, body mass and height were identified using digital scale with coupled stadiometer to calculate the body mass index (BMI= kg/m²). This index was used to grade individuals into three categories: normal nutritional status, overweight or obese. A questionnaire on regular physical activity practice time was also applied. Data were processed adopting a 5% significance level. Results: There was significant association between nutritional status and pulmonary function test (x²= 16.39; p= 0.003) for men. An association between increased BMI and the risk of restrictive lung disease was confirmed. In women the figures were x²= 3.41 (p= 0.492). Additionally, there was no significant association between pulmonary function test and time of physical activity in either gender. Conclusion: In this study, the nutritional status confirms its interference on respiratory function, even among regular practitioners of physical activity, and spirometric results suggest that long-term physical activity does not promote significant changes on lung function.