Effect of Obesity on Motor Performance in Adolescents: A Review Article.

Background: Adolescent obesity is associated with impairments in locomotor and object-control skills, postural control, and relative muscular strength. Lower cardiorespiratory fitness and altered neuromechanical patterns limit participation, while executive-function and psychosocial factors further constrain skill acquisition. Purpose :Objective: To synthesize evidence on how overweight/obesity influences motor performance in adolescents, and to outline intervention features linked to improvements in motor competence and fitness. Material and Methods: Structured narrative review using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar to August 2025 with terms covering adolescents, obesity/overweight, motor competence, postural control, fitness, and executive function. Observational and intervention studies reporting motor or fitness outcomes were considered. No meta-analysis was performed.Results: Higher adiposity is generally linked to poorer locomotor and object-control skills, diminished balance, and lower relative strength and VO₂-related fitness, with moderation by age, sex, maturation, and testing context. Multi-component school or community programs combining aerobic and resistance training with skill-focused practice improve fitness and selected motor outcomes—particularly when delivered three or more sessions per week for 8–12 weeks with supervision and progression. Cognitive-motor and games-based approaches may enhance engagement, though long-term maintenance and real-world transfer are inconsistently reported. Conclusion: Adolescent overweight/obesity adversely affects motor competence and fitness via mechanical, neuromuscular, and behavioral pathways. Early, multi-component programs integrating skill practice with aerobic and resistance training appear most promising. Future studies should standardize outcomes, include quality appraisal, and track maintenance beyond program end.