Work

Psychological symptoms in young university students: analysis of physical activity and body composition

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Physical activity is recognized as a protective factor for mental health; however, evidence regarding its relationship with body composition and psychological symptoms remains inconsistent. Objective: To analyze the relationship between symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress and levels of physical activity and body composition (Body Mass Index and body fat percentage) in university students. Methodology: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted with 115 university students (M = 20.4 years, SD = 3.5) from a private university in Colombia. Psychological symptoms were assessed using DASS-21, physical activity using IPAQ-SF, and body composition using body mass index and bioelectrical impedance analysis. One-way ANOVA and Pearson correlations were performed. Results: No significant differences were found in depression, anxiety, and stress according to physical activity levels or body fat percentage. However, students with overweight or obesity presented lower levels of anxiety than those with normal weight. Descriptively, participants with underweight and with a “lean” body fat percentage reported higher symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress than those with normal weight and overweight or obesity. Discussion: The lack of significant associations may be explained by sample homogeneity and absence of mediating variables, suggesting that physical activity may influence mental health indirectly. Lower anxiety in overweight-obese students partially supports the “jolly fat” hypothesis. Conclusions: Levels of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms did not vary according to physical activity intensity. Students classified as overweight or obese based on body mass index showed fewer anxiety symptoms than those classified as normal.

Source: Retos

DOI: 10.47197/retos.v83.119232