Greater lean mass and higher fitness were linked with fewer anxiety and depression symptoms in preadolescent children, as higher visceral adipose tissue was found to be related to increased mental health issues, according to results published in JAMA Network. The study authors noted that the findings highlight the importance of looking at physical health markers early on to support a child’s mental health and development.1,2
Mental Health Challenges and Weight Management
Nearly 20% of children and adolescents experience mental health issues, with anxiety and depression being the most common, increasing by nearly 30% between 2016 and 2020. Additionally, about 40% of adolescents report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, according to data provided in the study. Mental health challenges at a young age can impact a child’s development, as depression can hinder academic performance, and chronic anxiety and depression can lead to long-term health issues like heart disease.1
Previous studies have linked both body composition and fitness with childhood mental health. Higher fitness levels have been associated with improved overall health and fewer depressive symptoms in children and adolescents; however, most children do not meet physical activity guidelines. Additionally, childhood obesity rates have increased, placing children at an increased risk for depression and anxiety due to negative body image and various social factors.1,3
How Do Depression and Anxiety Relate to Obesity in Children?
Despite what is already known about mental health and childhood obesity, research on the relationship between fitness and anxiety and depression is limited for children under 10. To further this research, investigators created a cross-sectional study that evaluated the relationship between body composition, fitness, and symptoms of anxiety and depression in a large sample of preadolescent children aged 8 to 11 years, without prior health diagnosis. The study used dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess body composition and a VO₂ peak test to evaluate fitness.1
A total of 207 children were included in the study, with depression and anxiety measured using self-report tools. The study authors noted that depression was assessed with the 12-item short form of the Child Depression Inventory (CDI), with higher scores indicating increased symptom severity. Anxiety was evaluated using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC-T), where higher scores indicated severe anxiety.1
The results demonstrated that certain body compositions and fitness measures were linked to anxiety and depression symptoms. Specifically, a higher body fat percentage and increased visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were associated with more severe anxiety symptoms, as higher lean mass and higher cardiorespiratory fitness were linked with fewer anxiety symptoms. For depression, a higher body fat percentage was not associated with depressive symptoms, but a higher VAT was linked to more severe depression. However, both greater lean mass and a higher level of cardiorespiratory fitness were related to fewer depressive symptoms.1
The findings suggest higher VAT increased depressive and anxiety symptoms, as high body fat percentage was only connected with greater anxiety. Children who had greater lean mass and more fitness and physical activity had fewer mental health symptoms.1,2
“These distinctions, detectable even in preadolescence, could support early identification of children at greater risk for mental health symptoms. Integrating modifiable factors like fitness and body composition into routine pediatric assessments may help guide preventative care and early intervention to improve children’s mental health outcomes,” the authors said in the study.1