Physical activity recommendations for adolescents with overweight, high screen time, and low social support – A scoping review

Marlena Łopatka; Michał Bronikowski; Małgorzata Bronikowska; Agata Korcz; Maryna Khorkova; Dagny Adamczak; Jana Krzysztoszek

doi:10.2478/bhk-2026-0011

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Physical activity recommendations for adolescents with overweight, high screen time, and low social support – A scoping review

Biomedical Human Kinetics

Volume 18 (2026): Issue 1 (January 2026)

By: Marlena Łopatka , Michał Bronikowski , Małgorzata Bronikowska , Agata Korcz , Maryna Khorkova , Dagny Adamczak and Jana Krzysztoszek

Open Access

|Apr 2026

Abstract

Study aim

Using an exploratory scoping approach, this review aimed to synthesize and integrate physical activity (PA) recommendations for adolescents experiencing overweight, high screen time, and low social support to identify shared principles for tailored PA interventions.

Material and methods

Scientific articles published between 2010 and 2024 were retrieved from the selected databases MEDLINE (via PubMed), SPORTDiscus, EBSCOhost platform, and Google Scholar. Search terms included overweight/obesity, high screen time, low social support, in addition to physical activity in youth/adolescents, and recommendations. Selected articles were analyzed qualitatively.

Results

According to the recommendations, PA for overweight adolescents should involve support of family or friends, consider an individualized approach, the socioeconomic context, enjoyment of the activity, and the appropriate length, intensity, and type of exercise. Recommendations for PA for adolescents with high screen time include removing psychosocial barriers, involving loved ones, being active at home, using apps that limit screen time and promote healthy lifestyles, and ensuring self-control in achieving goals. PA planning for adolescents with low social support may consider the support of key social agents, access to nature, and a sense of autonomy.

Conclusions

The reviewed recommendations show recurrent principles for adolescents with overweight, high screen time, and low social support, highlighting interpersonal relationships, individualization, autonomy, and long-term motivation for physical activity.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/bhk-2026-0011 | Journal eISSN: 2080-2234

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Language: English

Page range: 100 - 111

Submitted on: Nov 20, 2025

Accepted on: Apr 2, 2026

Published on: Apr 27, 2026

Published by: University of Physical Education in Warsaw

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Publication frequency: 1 issue per year

Keywords:

Related subjects:

Basic medical science,

Basic medical science, other,

Clinical medicine,

Public health,

Sports and recreation,

Sports and recreation, other,

Physical education

© 2026 Marlena Łopatka, Michał Bronikowski, Małgorzata Bronikowska, Agata Korcz, Maryna Khorkova, Dagny Adamczak, Jana Krzysztoszek, published by University of Physical Education in Warsaw
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Volume 18 (2026): Issue 1 (January 2026)