Body Composition, Fitness, and Mental Health in Preadolescent Children

How are body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness associated with mental health in preadolescent children?In this cross-sectional study of 207 preadolescent children, adiposity measured via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was associated with higher anxiety and depression symptoms. Higher levels of lean mass and cardiorespiratory fitness were associated with fewer anxiety and depression symptoms.These findings suggest that excess adiposity may be a factor associated with risk for poorer mental health in preadolescent children whereas higher lean mass and fitness may be protective, highlighting the importance of assessing these factors for targeted interventions and improving children’s developmental trajectory.

Corresponding Author: Lauren B. Raine, MPH, PhD, Center for Cognitive and Brain Health, Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex, Department of Physical Therapy, Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Lauren Raine ISEC 129, Boston, MA 02115 (l.raine@northeastern.edu).

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