Inactive teenagers could have future mental health affected, research reveals

Brits who fail to stay active between the ages of 15-17 could have their mental state significantly affected for years to come, according to new research. Across the UK, those who regularly exercised during the crucial teenage period have an average State of Mind score of 62/100 in adulthood, with those who were not active scoring just 58/100.

In comparison, respondents who dropped out of exercise before the age of 15 display the lowest activity levels and lowest State of Mind scores in adulthood. Globally, 30% are still inactive as adults and are shown to be 11% less focused, 10% less confident, 10% less calm and 10% less composed compared to those who were able to exercise throughout adolescence.

The findings, announced by ASICS as the results of its second Global State of Mind Study, surveyed over 26,000 respondents across 22 countries and reaffirmed a positive link between physical exercise and mental wellbeing, in addition to uncovering a link between being physically active in teenage years and positive mental wellbeing in adulthood.

The study found that the more people exercise, the higher their State of Mind scores, with people in the UK who are regularly active having an average State of Mind score of 61/100 compared to inactive people who score just 54/100. The study also uncovered an exercise generation gap, with younger generations being increasingly less active - impacting their State of Mind score.

Over half (55%) of the Silent Generation (aged 78+) said they were active daily in their early childhood, compared to 35% of Millennials (aged 28-42) and just 21% of Gen Z (aged 18-27), showing a concerning trend of younger generations being less active and dropping out of physical activity earlier than the generations before them.

Hayley Jarvis, Head of Physical Activity for Mind, said: “These results are concerning, especially as the mental health of young people is worsening, with one in five children and young people experiencing mental health problems.

“With 50% of common mental health problems experienced before the age of 14 and 75% by the age of 24, our teenage years play a crucial role in laying the foundations for later life.”

Professor Brendon Stubbs, a leading researcher in exercise and mental health from King’s College London, added: “It is worrying to see this decline in activity levels from younger respondents at such a critical age, particularly as the study uncovered an association with lower wellbeing in adulthood”.

Overall, the average State of Mind score in the UK is 61/100, four points lower than the global average of 65/100. In fact, British people are ranked as having one of the lowest State of Mind scores across the globe, coming 17th out of the 22 countries surveyed.

Levels of physical activity are also slightly below average, with 55% of the population exercising regularly compared to the global average of 56%. ASICS’ Gary Raucher said: “The results of our second global State of Mind Study show how important it is that young people stay active and the impact this can have on their minds for years to come.

“We’re committed to supporting and inspiring people to move for positive mental wellbeing throughout their lifetime.”

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