Physical Fitness and Body Composition as Predictors of Anxiety, Depression, and Stress in University Students

Catalina Muñoz-Strale, Frano Giakoni-Ramírez, Josivaldo de Souza-Lima, Javiera Alarcón-Aguilar, Rodrigo Yáñez-Sepúlveda, Andrés Godoy-Cumillaf, Guillermo Cortés-Roco, José Francisco López-Gil, Faculty of Education and Humanities, School of Sports Science, Universidad Andres Bello, Faculty of Education and Social Sciences, Institute Sports and Wellbeing, Universidad Andres Bello, Viña del Mar, R Y S, Grupo de Investigación en Educación Física, Salud y Calidad de Vida , Facultad de Educación, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, A G C, Faculty of Life Sciences, Sports Coach, Universidad Viña del Mar, Viña del Mar, G C R, School of Medicine, Universidad Espíritu Santo, J F L G, Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Postgrado, Universidad de Los Lagos, J F L G

American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine

Published online on June 13, 2026

Abstract

American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, Ahead of Print.
University students experience high levels of psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and stress. Physical fitness and body composition have been proposed as potential protective factors against these conditions. This study aimed to examine ...