Somatic complaints as a mediator in the association between body mass index and quality of life in children and adolescents

Abstract

Background Children and adolescents with overweight are known to have lower Quality of Life (QoL) compared to peers with a normal weight. QoL is a broad concept and is associated with many factors. A better understanding of the factors associated with QoL in children and adolescents and their impact on the association between overweight/obesity and QoL, may help to develop and improve interventions that lead to an improvement in QoL in children/adolescents with a high body mass index (BMI > 25). This study investigated the possible mediating effects of somatic complaints and general practitioner consultations in the association between overweight/obesity and QoL in children and adolescents. Methods For the current study, cross-sectional data were used from a longitudinal study, the DOERAK cohort, collected from general practitioners’ medical files and through questionnaires. This cohort included 2-18 year olds with normal weight and overweight. Uni- and multivariate regression analyses were performed to gain more insight into variables associated with QoL. Mediation analyses were performed to investigate the possible mediating effects of somatic complaints and GP consultations in the association between overweight/obesity and QoL in children. Results In the total sample of 733 participants aged 2-18 years, participants with normal weight had a significantly higher QoL (83.64, SD10.65) compared to participants with overweight (78.61, SD14.34) and obesity (76.90, SD13.63) at baseline. The multivariate analyses showed that a lower socio-economic status (SES), higher BMIz, and the presence of somatic complaints are associated with a lower QoL. The mediation analysis showed a significant effect of the indirect pathway of BMIz on QoL through somatic complaints (β = − 0.46, 95% CI[− 0.90, − 0.06]). Conclusion BMIz has a direct impact on QoL in children and adolescents. Somatic complaints seem to mediate the effect of BMIz on QoL.

How do determinants of health relate to children’s quality of life? A cross-sectional study in Izmir, Turkey

“…It is well known that poverty affects the QoL due to its effects on a child’s physical and psychosocial environment (Cohen et al, 2010 ). SES status was regarded as low in Dutch children if income was less than 2000 Euros and was found to be associated with lower QoL ratings (Hassan et al , 2021 ). Our study found that 61.1% of children cannot express family income as a numerical determinant but can reveal a subjective perception.…”

Life satisfaction among Spanish children and adolescents participating in Physical Education

“…On the other hand, overweight in children and adolescents is related to the development of a wide range of different pathologies, such as cardiovascular diseases or sleep problems ( 28 ). In addition, the consequences and complications of these diseases have a negative impact on the SWB of children and adolescents, reducing their LS ( 29 , 30 ). In addition, psychological problems such as anxiety and depression can be considered as another factor to take into account in terms of reduced SWB ( 31 ), as well as the social problems they may suffer because of this status, since previous research has pointed to overweight schoolchildren as targets of behaviors such as bullying or marginalization ( 32 ).…”

Influence of body mass index on health complains and life satisfaction

“…In addition to adverse effects on health status, being overweight is associated with lower life satisfaction [ 7 ]. Firstly, somatic complaints reduce the quality of life of children who are overweight [ 8 ]. Secondly, overweight children are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders [ 9 ], which are also negatively associated with life satisfaction [ 10 ].…”