Role of childhood maltreatment on weight and weight-related behaviors in adulthood.

Abstract

This study investigated associations between child maltreatment and body mass, body weight perceptions, and weight control behaviors among men and women. Method: Data were derived from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). Multinomial logistic regression was used to investigate links between dimensions of childhood maltreatment and adult (a) classifications of body mass index (BMI), (b) discrepancies in perceived weight and actual BMI categories, and (c) normative and risky weight control behaviors. Results: Childhood maltreatment was highly predictive of BMI classification, weight perception discrepancies, and weight control behaviors for women. Women who reported physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect had increased risks for being slightly or very overweight, and among those who reported physical abuse and/or a combination of physical abuse and neglect, there is an increased likelihood of holding overweight perceptions. Finally, female victims of physical abuse, physical abuse and neglect, and of neglect only were more likely to adopt risky (e.g., diet pills or purging) versus normative (e.g., diet and exercise) weight control behaviors. Conclusion: Results indicated that women who reported childhood maltreatment have increased risks for developing body and weight related issues, confirming research documenting female-specific effects of childhood maltreatment. For women, certain forms of maltreatment strongly predicted BMI groupings, discrepant weight perceptions, and risky weight behaviors. Taken together, findings suggest that child maltreatment is a predictor of health-related outcomes. Moreover, results highlight the importance of assessing genderspecific effects when examining outcomes related to body, weight, and dieting.

Sex-Related Difference in the Association Between Child Neglect and the Accuracy of Body Weight Perception Among Chinese Primary Schoolchildren

“…Importantly, our study highlighted the sex-related difference in the association between child neglect and misperception of body weight, which was also consistent with the findings of two studies in adults ( 14 , 15 ). These studies consistently explained that females with a higher level of child maltreatment were more vulnerable to life stress ( 14 , 15 ), and it might be fueled by maladaptive strategies that used body shape to determine self-worth ( 14 ). However, it was unclear whether the explanation could be applied to children.…”

“…Currently, no study examines the association between child neglect and inaccurate BWP in children, while two studies in adults consistently indicated that child maltreatment was associated with inaccurate BWP in adulthood ( 14 , 15 ). These studies suggested that adults with higher child maltreatment may be more sensitive and vulnerable to subsequent stressors and consequently, easily misperceive their body weight ( 14 , 15 ). In addition, as for children, the maltreatment experience directly leads to maladjustment, including depression and low self-esteem ( 30 ).…”

“…However, little is known about the association between child maltreatment and BWP. To the best of our knowledge, only two studies assessed the relationship between childhood maltreatment and the discrepancy of BWP, but both in adults ( 14 , 15 ). Late childhood to early adolescence is a critical window for physical and psychological development; children and adolescents begin to notice their own body shape and how peers perceive them ( 16 ).…”

Investigating childhood maltreatment as a modifier of genetic risk for cardiovascular disease in the UK Biobank

“…Positive associations between childhood maltreatment and CVD subtypes and BMI have been reported extensively 5,36 but associations with other CVD risk factors such as blood pressure and lipids are less established. 36 We replicated previously observed associations between maltreatment increasing BMI [32][33][34] , smoking behaviour 6,37 , and decreasing SBP. 38,39 Interpretability of interactions and effect modifications Interaction and effect modification are terms commonly used interchangeably despite representing subtly different concepts.…”

“…Reports of sex differences in the association between childhood maltreatment subtypes and CVD have been mixed, 6,13,[32][33][34][35] however we did not identify any sex-specific differences. Replication and validation using other cohorts may elucidate whether we missed modification and sex-specific effects due to lack of statistical power.…”