Small amounts of exercise can improve morale of overweight adolescents

A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology examined the effects of stationary cycling to music or interactive video games on the mental wellness of overweight youth. Findings showed that both methods were effective at psychosocial competence.

Participants were aged 12-17 years and exercised for 60-minute intervals twice a week over 10 weeks. They were periodically asked to report on psychosocial functioning measures such as body image, self esteem, and scholastic, social and athletic competence.

According to the study, music and video games were used as distractions from potential physical discomfort. Participants were able to select which music or video game they wanted to use and were allowed to stop at any time during sessions.

Being overweight or obese has been associated with higher risks of diabetes, heart disease and sleep apnea, according to the American Psychological Association, which at present does not consider obesity to be comorbid with mental illness. Those affected by type 2 diabetes may ask their doctors if they should buy Actos, while those affected in other fashions may seek affordable treatments from a Canadian internet pharmacy.

Gary Goldfield, PhD, lead researcher in the Pediatric Psychology study, was careful to distinguish between the psychosocial effects of the exercise itself and any potential psychosocial effects from fat reduction.

"If you can improve your physical activity and fitness even minimally, it can help improve your mental health," said Goldfield. "By teaching kids to focus on healthy active lifestyle behaviours, they are focusing on something they can control."