Psychological predictors of adiposity: Systematic review of longitudinal studies

Abstract

We aimed to systematically review current literature on temporal relationships between psychological factors and subsequent adiposity gain and obesity onset within childhood/adolescence. Databases were searched for longitudinal, population-based studies assessing psychological predictors and adiposity-related outcomes ≥ 1 year later. Study characteristics were synthesised into descriptive Tables and quality evaluated. Fifteen papers met inclusion criteria. Predictors broadly related to psychological symptoms or self-esteem. Evidence was mixed as to whether depressive symptoms and other negative emotional states may increase risk for adiposity gain and obesity onset within adolescence. There was some evidence for low self-esteem predicting obesity onset. Among obese adolescents, depressive symptoms exacerbated obesity, while physical appearance self-esteem exerted gender-specific adiposity changes. The literature had substantial limitations and inconsistencies. This review provides some support for psychological components in obesity prevention/intervention programs as part of a multifactorial approach to tackling childhood obesity. Further good-quality longitudinal research would strengthen the sparse literature and clarify inconsistencies.

Depression, Anxiety, and Severity of Obesity in Adolescents

“…Further, although there are studies which support a relationship between anxiety/depression and emotional eating, 12,13 emotional eating and obesity, 11, 14 and anxiety/depression and obesity, 30, 31 this is the first study to our knowledge to analyze all three variables simultaneously. A limitation is the use of the CEBQ as a self-report measure in adolescents.…”

The effectiveness of bariatric surgery on long term psychosocial quality of life – A systematic review

“…Research looking at psychological predictors of obesity presents complex findings and is not well understood [31][32][33]. However, some studies have found certain psychological factors in obese individuals like depressive symptoms, post-surgery emotional struggles and dichotomous thinking that may contribute to weight regain [34][35][36] Can weight loss through BS alone address these underlying psychological conditions that possibly contributed to the obesity in the first place?…”

Overweight or obese young people are not at increased risk of depression, but young people with depression are at increased risk of obesity

“…The use of validated diagnostic interviews, objective measures of height and weight, a large and representative sample, and controlling for known confounders are significant methodological strengths 3. The results suggest that among young people, particularly boys, major depression is a risk factor for developing obesity 1 year later, while the reverse was not found to be true.…”