To the Editor,

Your article “Body Composition, Fitness, and Mental Health in Preadolescent Children” (Aug. 26, 2025) captures a critical insight: children aged 8-11 with higher lean mass and greater cardiorespiratory fitness had fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression, while greater visceral fat was linked to increased risk.

At the Jump for Joy Foundation we see how fitness, team movement and positive mindset combine to build not just healthier bodies, but healthier minds. When kids feel capable and connected, their physical health follows and so does their mental wellness.

We would be honored to invite you or a representative from JAMA Network Open to one of our upcoming youth wellness events. Seeing first-hand how community fitness and positive psychology are applied might add a fresh dimension to the research you help publicize. 

If you are open to it, may we also include you on our media list for substantive announcements or study results? We promise to send only meaningful updates and respect your time.

Thank you for publishing research that links fitness and mental health in youth. It matters.