Somatotype and biopsychosocial outcomes: Physical fitness, anxiety, and academic performance among adolescents

¹ Nutritional Science Study Program, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, IPB University, 16680 Bogor, Indonesia
² Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Hamka Muhammadiyah University, 12130 South Jakarta, Indonesia
³ Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, 3216 Geelong, VIC, Australia

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Somatotype reflects body composition characteristics that can affect physiological capacity and psychological outcomes, yet evidence on its relationship with fitness, anxiety, and academic achievement among adolescents remains limited. The study aimed to examine the associations between somatotype with physical fitness, anxiety disorders, and academic achievement among adolescents. This cross-sectional study involved 96 adolescents in Jakarta. Somatotype, the independent variable, was assessed using Heath-Carter method. The dependent variables include: 1) cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) measured by the 3-minute YMCA step-test and muscle strength using handgrip dynamometer; 2) anxiety measured by the DASS-42; and 3) academic performance by GPA. Data analysis used Chi Square and Spearman Correlation-Test. Most subject (82.3%) had an endomorph body type. A total of 49% of subjects had poor CRF and 97.9% of subjects had weak muscle strength. Most subjects (41.7%) experienced moderate anxiety disorders. Body type was significantly related to CRF, but not to muscle strength. The endomorphy and mesomorphy components were significantly related to CRF and anxiety disorders. The mesomorph body type had a significantly lower chance of achieving a GPA >3. Adolescent health interventions should integrate body composition, physical fitness enhancement, and mental health support to improve overall well-being and academic outcomes.