PHYSICAL FITNESS AND ADOLESCENCE: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE HEALTH, QUALITY OF LIFE, AND WELL-BEING OF SCHOOL-AGED YOUTH

Abstract

This study aimed to reflect on the importance of physical fitness in the health and quality of life of adolescents, as well as the impacts resulting from its absence. Through a narrative literature review, scientific publications addressing the concepts of physical fitness and its implications during adolescence, a period marked by intense physical, emotional, and social changes, were analyzed. The results show that adequate levels of health-related physical fitness contribute significantly to the prevention of chronic diseases, improvement of mental health, and maintenance of well-being. On the other hand, low physical fitness, often associated with a sedentary lifestyle, is a risk factor for the early onset of physical and psychological problems. Therefore, it is essential to encourage regular physical activity from a young age as a strategy for promoting public health and forming long-term healthy habits. It can be concluded that maintaining adequate levels of physical fitness, especially the components related to health, can contribute to a more balanced routine and to the prevention of problems that often begin to manifest themselves in adolescence.