Quality of life in overweight and obese children and adolescents: a literature review

Abstract

Identifying variables associated with lower QOL in obese children and adolescents offers new perspectives for prevention and care. Further research is needed to better elucidate these findings. Better understanding QOL is a key element essential for the treatment for childhood and adolescent obesity.

Change in health-related quality of life in the context of pediatric obesity interventions: A meta-analytic review.

“…Specific physical health risks experienced by children with overweight and obesity may include apnea, musculoskeletal problems, asthma, diabetes, and/or sleep problems (Ranzenhofer et al, in press). Psychosocial risks to children and adolescents with overweight and obesity may include internalizing and externalizing problems, self-esteem, peer-related problems, and/or diminished health-related quality of life (HRQoL; Eremis et al, 2004;Buttitta et al, 2014). Though previous studies and reviews have suggested that evidence-based interventions to reduce BMI can be associated with improved HRQoL (e.g., Tsiros et al 2009), no studies were identified that quantitatively evaluated the associations between change in adiposity and change in HRQoL.…”

“…Such results are consistent with a well-developed literature indicating that children with context of physical health (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011). obesity are at particular risk for compromised HRQoL (e.g., Buttitta, Iliescu, Rousseau, & Guerrien, 2014;Griffiths et al, 2010;Schwimmer, Burwinkle, & Varni, 2003;Tsiros et al, 2009). Indeed, analyzing published data from a number of studies in the literature, Tsiros et al reported an inverse linear relationship between body mass index (BMI) and HRQoL for both child self-reported (r=-0.70, p<0.01) and parent proxy-reported (r=-0.77, p<0.01) child HRQoL.…”

A Cross Sectional Study on Health-Related Quality of Life Among Underweight, Obese and Overweight Undergraduate Medical Students

“…QOL assesses physical ability, psychological well-being, social interactions and school or work performance domains. 6 Quality of life is defined as overall well-being 7,15 described by objective indicators and subjective evaluation of physical, material, social, productive, emotional and civic wellbeing. It can be seen as a multidimensional construct that reflects one's self-perceptions of enjoyment, satisfaction with life 8 and general health.…”

Protocol for: The Use of Intra-Gastric Balloons as an Adjunct to a Lifestyle Support Programme to Promote Weight Loss in Severely Obese Adolescents

“…Worryingly, the majority of these medical concerns have traditionally only presented in adults [2,4] and as Reilly and Kelly (2011) reviewed, a large body of evidence now confirms obesity in childhood and adolescence can lead to premature mortality and physical morbidity in later life [2]. The psychopathology of obesity in young people is a concern with overweight and obese children experiencing poor quality of life, lower self-esteem [5,6] and an enhanced risk of being socially isolated than their healthy weight counterparts [7]. Several variables are associated with low Quality of life, QOL, such as self-image, bullying, bodily pain, quality of food intake, physical activity, screen time, parents, and weight status [6].…”

“…The psychopathology of obesity in young people is a concern with overweight and obese children experiencing poor quality of life, lower self-esteem [5,6] and an enhanced risk of being socially isolated than their healthy weight counterparts [7]. Several variables are associated with low Quality of life, QOL, such as self-image, bullying, bodily pain, quality of food intake, physical activity, screen time, parents, and weight status [6]. Being obese in childhood is also associated with depressive symptoms and thoughts of suicide, often linked to bullying in schools and/or through the use of social media networks [8,9].…”