Fitness and Mental Health in Adolescents

A Reality Check for Teens:

Obesity and mental health disorders among teens between the ages of 14 to 17 is becoming increasingly worse
Overweight and obese teens are prone to mental health problems
15 million American adolescents have mental health problems that affect their academics
37% of girls and 20% of boys have reported having their daily activities affected by depression

Teen Fitness and Mental Health

Cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with self-esteem and well being
Muscular fitness has self-concept benefits and reduces anxiety
Agility fitness boosts self-perception

Physical activity overall improves symptoms of anxiety, depression and panic disorder in adolescents.

Cadenas-Sanchez, Mena-Molina, A., Torres-Lopez, L. V., Migueles, J. H., Rodriguez-Ayllon, M., Lubans, D. R., & Ortega, F. B. (2021). Healthier Minds in Fitter Bodies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Association between Physical Fitness and Mental Health in Youth. Sports Medicine (Auckland), 51(12), 2571–2605. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01520-y

Melnyk, Jacobson, D., Kelly, S. A., Belyea, M. J., Shaibi, G. Q., Small, L., O'Haver, J. A., & Marsiglia, F. F. (2015). Twelve-Month Effects of the COPE Healthy Lifestyles TEEN Program on Overweight and Depressive Symptoms in High School Adolescents. The Journal of School Health, 85(12), 861–870. https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.12342

Mikkelsen, Stojanovska, L., Polenakovic, M., Bosevski, M., & Apostolopoulos, V. (2017). Exercise and mental health. Maturitas, 106, 48–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.09.003

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