Author(s): GOMES, A., SCAPINI, K., SILVA, C., SUTER, T., FIGUEIRA, A., Institution: UNIVERSIDADE UNITOLEDO WYDEN, Country: BRAZIL, Abstract-ID: 436

INTRODUCTION:
Overall health is a multifaceted construct in which physical activity level (PAL), nutritional status, and perceived well-being are essential pillars in adulthood. However, the current epidemiological scenario is marked by a high prevalence of physical inactivity and excess weight/obesity, conditions strongly associated with mental health disorders such as depression, stress, and anxiety. Purposse: To analyze the association between physical activity level, excess weight, sedentary behavior, and the severity of depressive, stress, and anxiety symptoms in adults of both sexes.
METHODS:
A total of 76 adults (mean age = 52.85 ± 10.51 years), of both sexes, were evaluated using a quantitative cross-sectional analytical design with an exploratory-descriptive approach. Sociodemographic characteristics (city of residence, occupation, education level, marital status, and family income), perceived health, and PAL—assessed using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ; METs/week)—were collected. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Anthropometric measurements included body mass, height, and body mass index (BMI = 30.85 ± 10.51 kg/m²). Data normality was tested using the Shapiro–Wilk test. Associations between METs/week and depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms; sitting time and stress; and BMI and depression were examined using Spearman’s correlation coefficient (rho). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 24.0, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS:
No normal distribution was observed for BMI, METs/week, sedentary behavior, or DASS-21 subscales (p < 0.05). Overall, 71% of participants presented PAL below recommended levels (METs/week ≤ 480), including 54.3% of men and 85.4% of women. Additionally, 80.3% of participants were classified as having excess weight or obesity according to BMI criteria. Significant inverse associations were identified between METs/week and symptoms of depression (rho = −0.68), anxiety (rho = −0.70), and stress (rho = −0.72) (p < 0.001). A strong positive correlation was found between sitting time and stress (rho = 0.65), while a moderate positive association was observed between BMI and depressive symptoms (rho = 0.45). Individuals with sedentary behavior (≥ 9 h/day and/or low PAL) exhibited greater symptom severity. Notably, the prevalence of severe or extremely severe depression decreased from 42.1% in individuals with low PAL to 7.9% among those who were more physically active, with similar patterns observed for anxiety and stress.
CONCLUSION:
Adults with higher physical activity levels demonstrated lower severity of depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms. In contrast, greater sedentary time and higher BMI were associated with increased symptom severity, reinforcing PAL as an important protective factor for mental health.