August 26, 2025JAMA Network OpenOpen Access

Body Composition, Fitness, and Mental Health in Preadolescent Children

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Discussion

Cross-sectional study reveals body composition factors influence anxiety and depression in children, suggesting need for early interventions.

Greater lean mass and higher fitness are linked to fewer anxiety and depression symptoms in preadolescent children, highlighting the impact of physical health on mental well-being.
Positive associations with anxiety symptoms include higher body fat percentage and visceral adipose tissue, while lean mass and fitness are negatively associated with these symptoms.
Cross-sectional analysis evaluated over 200 children, aged 8 to 11, using body composition assessments and mental health symptom scales, providing valuable data for interventions.
Findings underscore the importance of body composition in mental health, encouraging early identification of physical health markers for better child development.

Braun et al. (2025) studied this question.

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Cross-sectional study reveals body composition factors influence anxiety and depression in children, suggesting need for early interventions.