Physical Activity, Body Mass Index and Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Unraveling the Multifaceted relationships among University students

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between body mass index, score for generalized anxiety disorder and international physical activity status among university students.

Methodology: Cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 385 students in Lahore, Pakistan from May 2025 to Aug 2025. GAD-7, and IPAQ questionnaires were used to assess anxiety and physical activity levels. Participants were recruited through random sampling. Inclusion Criteria was Participants must be between 18 and 24 years old and currently enrolled in a university in Lahore with no diagnosed mental disorders. While Participants with any diagnosed medical or psychiatric conditions were excluded from study. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS to examine correlations between anxiety, BMI and physical activity.

Results: With a near-equal gender distribution, 40.78% were overweight and 6.23% obese. Most had minimal anxiety (68.57%) and low physical activity (98.18%). There was a statistical significant association of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) status with BMI and gender (p = 0.000), whereas insignificant association with physical activity (p = 0.224).

Conclusion: The study emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions to improve mental health and promote physical activity among young adults, considering the observed associations between anxiety, BMI, and eating behaviors.

Keywords: BMI, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Physical activity