The relation between an adverse psychological and social environment in childhood and the development of adult obesity: a systematic literature review

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity is on a global-wide increase, but still the aetiology of adult obesity is poorly understood. It has been shown that overweight children suffer from adverse psychological events, but less is known about the potential effects of adverse psychological factors among normal weight children for later development of obesity. The purpose of this study was to systematically review current literature on associations between psychological factors in childhood and development of obesity in adulthood. A systematic search was conducted in three electronic databases MEDLINE (silverplatter 1977-2008), PsycINFO (1972-2008) and PsycINFO Weekly (week 1 January 2007-week 3 July 2008) to identify studies of interest. Six prospective and two retrospective studies were identified. Psychosocial factors related to adult obesity were lack of childhood care, abuse and childhood anxiety disorders. In addition, depression in adolescence tended to be related to adult obesity but among young girls only. Learning difficulties and scholastic proficiencies below average were also risk factors. The current literature suggests that specific psychosocial factors in childhood may act as determinants for developing obesity in adulthood.

Association between psychological problems and overweight and obesity in school children

“…While our study found a higher prevalence of withdrawn/depressed in obese children, like other authors (Erickson, Robinson, Haydel, & Killen, 2000;Esposito et al, 2014;Morrison et al, 2015;Rankin et al, 2016), our findings did not support a higher prevalence of anxiety problems as shown in other studies (Chiang et al, 2013;Goldfield et al, 2010;Esposito et al, 2014). This association might be observed later in life, as some research has found that symptoms of anxiety or depression during childhood and adolescence predict later obesity (Aparicio et al, 2013;Blaine, 2008;Mannan et al, 2016;Robert & Duong, 2016;Rofey et al, 2009;Vámosi et al, 2010). It is also possible that at early ages, the manifestations of internalizing problems are based more on somatic complaints.…”

“…The etiology of obesity can be understood within a biopsychosocial model that involves multiple factors, such as early-life diet, socio-economic situation, dietary habits, sedentary lifestyle, genetic predisposition, physiological conditions and psychological state (Braet, 2005;Brands, Demmelmair & Koletzko, 2014;Robinson et al, 2015;Spruijt-Metz, 2011;Vámosi, Heitmann, & Kyvik, 2010). The association between psychological problems and being overweight/obese appears to emerge early in life and both are significant public health problems.…”

“…Specifically, the association between obesity and depression could differ in relation to gender and age (Anderson, Cohen, Naumova, & Must, 2006;Chiang et al, 2013;Pervanidou & Chrousos, 2011), as it is most problematical among adolescent females (Blaine, 2008;Mühlig et al, 2016;Rofey et al, 2009;Vámosi et al, 2010). Obesity may increase the risk of depression through stigmatization, body image dissatisfaction (BD), effects of dieting, and impairments in physical health and functioning.…”

Unconscious Agendas in the Etiology of Refractory Obesity and the Role of Hypnosis in Their Identification and Resolution:A New Paradigm for Weight-Management Programs or a Paradigm Revisited?

“…A review by Vámosi, Heitmann & Kyvik (2010) has highlighted that fact that stress, abuse and emotional trauma during childhood appear to predispose towards adult obesity, not least because of the learned use of eating as a comfort response, which then continues into adulthood; and a similar picture was found in a brief survey by Brooke & Mussap (2013).…”

Child and Adolescent Abuse in Relation to Obesity in Adulthood: The Black Women’s Health Study

“…6 Childhood physical, psychological, and sexual abuse and parental neglect have been associated with increased risk for obesity in adulthood. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] Few of these studies have been among racially/ethnically diverse populations or larger cohorts. Moreover, mechanisms linking childhood adversities and adult health outcomes are poorly understood.…”