Children with Emotional Problems at Higher Risk for Adult Obesity

Author: BioMed Central
Published: 2009/09/11 - Updated: 2013/06/04
Topic: Childhood Obesity - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Children with emotional difficulties are at higher risk for obesity in adult life.

Introduction

Previous research has shown that low self-esteem and emotional problems are found in people who are overweight or obese - but not which influences which.

Main Item

Research published today in the open access journal BMC Medicine, sheds light on this issue showing that children with emotional difficulties are at higher risk for obesity in adult life.

Andrew Ternouth, David Collier and Barbara Maughan from the MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Center at the Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, studied data from around 6,500 members of the 1970 British Birth Cohort Study who, as 10 year-olds, had been assessed for emotional problems, self-perceptions and BMI, and who reported on their BMI again at age 30. The researchers found that children with a lower self-esteem, those who felt less in control of their lives and those who worried often were more likely to gain weight over the next 20 years. They also found that girls were slightly more affected by these factors than boys.

Ternouth said: "While we cannot say that childhood emotional problems cause obesity in later life, we can certainly say they play a role, along with factors such as parental BMI, diet and exercise"

The authors suggest that early intervention for children suffering low self-esteem, anxiety or other emotional challenges could help improve their chances of long-term physical health. Ternouth continues: "Strategies to promote social and emotional aspects of learning, including the promotion of self-esteem, are central to a number of recent policy initiatives. Our findings suggest that approaches of this kind may carry positive benefits for physical health as well as for other aspects of children's development."

The authors conclude, "Given the growing problem with childhood obesity in many western societies, these findings are particularly important. On a larger scale, they may offer hope in the battle to control the current obesity epidemic."

Reference: Childhood emotional problems and self-perceptions predict weight gain in a longitudinal regression model, Andrew Ternouth, David Collier and Barbara Maughan, BMC Medicine (in press) www.biomedcentral.com/bmcmed/

Explore Similar Topics

- Pediatric overweight and obesity have reached epidemic levels in the U.S. and are becoming a pandemic globally.

- Adulthood overweight and obesity may confer greater risks for all-cause mortality and incident CVD among individuals who perceive themselves to have been thinner or plumper than the average child.

Citing Information and Page References

Disabled World (DW) is a comprehensive online resource providing information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): BioMed Central. (2009, September 11 - Last revised: 2013, June 4). Children with Emotional Problems at Higher Risk for Adult Obesity. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved February 8, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/fitness/child-obesity/emotional-obesity.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/fitness/child-obesity/emotional-obesity.php">Children with Emotional Problems at Higher Risk for Adult Obesity</a>: Children with emotional difficulties are at higher risk for obesity in adult life.

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it's important to note that our content is for general informational purposes only. We always recommend consulting qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.