Metabolic Indicators and Emotional Distress Symptoms Related to Overweight in Youth: A Brief Network Analysis

Overweight and obesity in young people represent a major public health challenge, not only due to their association with metabolic alterations but also because of their impact on emotional well-being. Background/Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the structure of the network between metabolic indicators and emotional symptoms Methods: A sample of 78 university students was assessed through biochemical, anthropometric, and psychometric measures. Results: A total of 37.9% showed risk levels associated with excess weight and moderate emotional distress. There exist significant links between central adiposity and lipid alterations, as well as positive correlations between anxiety, depression an emotional exhaustion and inverse with happiness. Conclusions: The results highlight an interaction between metabolic and emotional factors even among individuals with normal weight, underscoring the value of network models for early risk detection. The findings are useful for implementing preventive strategies in university settings to promote improved health and emotional well-being.