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Paeds Obesity – Anxiety/depression – Cycles

Evidence Summary
There is a clear association between children with obesity/overweight and poor psychosocial health that is exacerbated by negative experiences from family and peers. Being obese or overweight in childhood can contribute to depression. This in turn can worsen obesity and it can increase the risk of development of depression in adult life.

There is a clear benefit on gained from physical activity, which improves psychosocial health, particularly if the family is involved. It is also correlated with a significant improvement in quality of life.


References

  1. Psychological consequences of childhood obesity: psychiatric comorbidity and prevention. Rankin J, Matthews L, Cobley S, Han A, Soanders R, Wiltshire H, Baker J.
  2. Psychological consequences of childhood obesity: psychiatric comorbidity and prevention. Rankin J, Matthews L, Cobley S, Han A, Soanders R, Wiltshire H, Baker J.
  3. Systematic Review of the Relationships between Physical Activity and Health Indicators in the Early Years (0-4 years). Carson V, Lee EY, Hewitt L, Jennings C, Hunter S, Kuzik N, Stearns J, Powley Unrau S, Poitras V, Gray C, Adamo K, Janssen I, Okely A, Spence J, Timmons B, Sampson M, Tremblay M.