Higher lean mass and cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with fewer tween anxiety and depression symptoms, research suggests, while excess adiposity is conversely associated with poorer mental health.

The findings, in JAMA Network Open , highlight the importance of assessing these factors to produce targeted interventions that can improve preadolescent development and well-being.

“Our findings suggest that fitness and lean mass may serve as protective factors, while adiposity may confer risk,” reported the team led by Lauren Raine, PhD, from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.

“These distinctions, detectable even in preadolescence, could support early identification of children at greater risk for mental health symptoms.

“Integrating modifiable factors like fitnes

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