Objective:

To assess the effects of physical activity on anxiety and depression in overweight and obese children and adolescents, while considering how factors like self-esteem, age, obesity degree, and racial influences may impact these effects.

Key Findings:

• The global prevalence of depression in children and adolescents is 6.2%, rising to 26.7% among those with overweight or obesity, indicating a significant correlation.
• Physical activity is recognized as an effective non-pharmacological intervention for improving both psychological and metabolic health, particularly in overweight and obese youth.
• Previous meta-analyses have limitations, including methodological issues and a lack of focus on overweight/obese populations, which this study aims to address.

Interpretation:

Physical activity may serve as a dual-benefit intervention for addressing both mental health issues and obesity in youth, potentially offering a more accessible alternative to traditional therapies through mechanisms such as enhancing neuroplasticity and regulating mood.

Limitations:

• Prior studies included non-randomized controlled trials and participants of varying weight statuses, which may undermine the reliability of the findings.
• Challenges in implementing pharmacological and psychological treatments due to side effects and accessibility issues may limit the generalizability of the results.

Conclusion:

Physical activity presents a promising approach to mitigate the adverse effects of obesity and depression in youth, warranting further research to explore specific interventions and clinical applications.