Abstract:

Objective To evaluate the benefits of physical activity on the physical health, mental health and health behaviors related to physical activity in obese and overweight children and adolescents.

Methods Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and CNKI for systematic reviews or meta-analyses published between 2016 and 2024 in Science Citation Index Q4 or higher journals, related to physical activity or exercise for physical and mental health in obese and overweight children and adolescents. They were assessed using AMSTAR 2 tool to ensure that the methodological quality was medium to high.

Results A total of eight systematic reviews and meta-analyses involving 24 567 participants were included. Six studies were of high quality, and two were of moderate quality. In terms of physical health, combined aerobic and resistance exercise interventions demonstrated the most significant improvements in reducing body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage. Moderate-to-high-intensity exercise performed three times per week, at least 60 minutes per session, over twelve weeks or longer significantly reduced BMI and body fat percentage in obese and overweight children while improving cardiorespiratory endurance and muscular strength. In terms of mental health, physical activity was positive in reducing depression and anxiety, and improving self-esteem in children and adolescents. Activities such as dance, outdoor adventure programs and team sports notably enhanced social skills and emotional well-being. For neurodevelopmental disorders, low-intensity activities like aquatic walking and yoga significantly improved self-regulation and social interaction abilities. In terms of health-related behaviors, physical activity interventions promoted the development of exercise habits, improved social interaction skills, increased physical activity participation, reduced sedentary behavior, and enhanced health and physical activity knowledge. In terms of multi-modal interventions, programs combining aerobic exercise with nutrition education or psychological counseling were more effective in improving overall health compared to single-modal interventions. Health-promoting schools (HPS) approach, integrating school, family and community involvement, effectively increased students' physical activity levels, reduced obesity rates, and improved mental health outcomes.

Conclusion Physical activity is benefit in physical and mental health for obese and overweight children and adolescents. Moderate-to-high-intensity aerobic and resistance training, dance, and outdoor activities are effective interventions for improving body composition and mental health. Multi-modal interventions and HPS strategies can yield sustained health benefits.

Key words: physical activity, physical and mental health, health behaviors related to physical activity, obesity, overweight, systematic review