Physical activity, fitness and psychosocial functioning of obese adolescents

Obesity is associated with an array of negative physical and psychosocial symptoms in adolescents. Numerous interventions have emerged to address this significant public health concern. However, few have focused on African American females, a group at particularly high risk for negative health behaviors and associated complications. Moreover, although investigations with adults have yielded promising findings regarding psychosocial changes associated with increased physical activity and fitness, much less research has examined this relationship in adolescents. The current study addressed these gaps in the research and examined psychological outcomes of adolescent participants in TEENS, a culturally sensitive, multidisciplinary weight loss pilot intervention. From baseline to post-testing, participants demonstrated significant improvements in physical, emotional, and social functioning, as well as significant reductions in body dissatisfaction. Moreover, increases in physical activity and fitness were associated with significant enhancements in psychological well-being. Outcomes provide evidence for the psychological benefits of physical activity and highlight the importance of detailed cardiorespiratory fitness assessment to evaluate the complex relationship between physical and mental health in future obesity interventions.

► VO2max increases were associated with decreases in depression
► As physical activity increased, physical functioning and body satisfaction increased.
► Moderate activity was not associated with changes in well-being.