Impact of Healthy Lifestyle on Psychological Well-Being of Saudi Adolescent Girls

Health encompasses various dimensions, encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being, all of which are pivotal in overall health and the enhancement of mental and physical well-being. In the realm of nutrition, the significance of a well-rounded diet that includes macronutrients and micronutrients cannot be overstated. Similarly, engaging in physical activity such as exercise and abstaining from deleterious habits like smoking is integral to upholding a healthy lifestyle. The equilibrium of psychological well-being is affected when negative emotions reach an extreme level and impede daily activities.

A recent research study scrutinized the correlation between healthy lifestyles and psychological well-being among adolescent girls in Taif City, Saudi Arabia. The study disclosed that a substantial percentage of schoolgirls reported severe forms of psychological issues, comprising depression, anxiety, and stress. However, the majority of the students were found to lead a healthy lifestyle, with a small minority engaging in unhealthy practices. Notably, an association between lifestyle and psychological problems was discerned, with older students and those in higher scholastic levels exhibiting a propensity for an unhealthy lifestyle.

Nevertheless, it was observed that being overweight or obese was not significantly linked to psychological well-being, and students’ lifestyle did not impact their academic performance. Evidently, while unhealthy lifestyles were not prevalent among the schoolgirls in Taif City, a correlation was identified between such lifestyles and the deterioration of their psychological well-being.

These findings underscore the imperative of advocating for healthy lifestyle habits among students to enhance their psychological well-being. Initiatives such as regular screening for mental health issues, the integration of mental health promotion programmes into the school curriculum, and the encouragement of healthy activities can contribute to a healthier lifestyle and improved mental well-being for adolescent girls. Furthermore, comprehensive studies encompassing male students and employing a longitudinal design are warranted to obtain a more profound comprehension of the influence of healthy lifestyle behaviours on the mental health of students.