Associations of physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake with well-being and depressive symptoms among obese schoolchildren in Wuhan, China: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

[...]the main objective of this study was to examine the associations of PA and FV intake with mental health in a sample of obese Chinese schoolchildren. Two prospective cohort studies also found that adolescent obesity or overweight predicted subsequent depression and/or anxiety in adulthood [29, 30]. [...]in the design of effective approaches for preventing and treating obesity, it is of importance to consider whether adequate PA and sufficient FV intake can also improve psychological problems in obese children. The present study not only shows an independent favorable influence of PA and FV intake, but also reveals a combined association of high PA and FV intake with reduced risk of poor well-being and depressive symptoms among obese Chinese children. [...]our results add further evidence for future prevention and health promotion strategies integrating PA and FV consumption to promote mental health among obese children. In terms of behavioral level, the latest research performed by Lena et al. reported that physical activity and nutrition appeared to facilitate rather than hindered each other among participants, and there was a “facilitating pattern” between PA and FV intake [41]. Since both PA and FV intake have been proven to improve psychological well-being through several pathways, it is biologically plausible that the combination of high PA and sufficient FV intake may contribute a better mental health.