Obese children at higher risk of developing mental health problems

Obese children are at higher risk of developing mental health problems, which reinforces the need for early intervention.

A new study, presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Glasgow, found that young children with a higher body mbad index are likely to suffer from depression due to "weight discrimination" and a "low self-esteem".

The authors of the reports indicated that he emphasized how crucial it is that early interventions targeting overweight and mental health problems allow children to enjoy a better quality of life.

Problems tend to develop "hand in hand" from the age of seven, according to research from more than 17,000 British children born between 2000 and 2002.

Adolescence, described between 7 and 14 years, is considered a particularly delicate period for weight and emotional problems. Girls were particularly at risk.

"Children with a higher body mbad index could experience weight-related discrimination and low self-esteem, which could help increase depressive symptoms over time," said the co-leader of the group. study, Dr. Charlotte Hardman of the University of Liverpool.

She said that children could be caught in a vicious circle in which they will indulge in eating because of the unhappiness of their body shape, which would only lead to weight gain. additional.

"Depression can lead to obesity due to increased emotional consumption of high-calorie comfort foods, poor sleep habits, and lethargy," said Dr. Hardman. .

She called on people in positions of influence, such as health professionals and parents, to be proactive in "minimizing the negative consequences later in their childhood."

The research asked parents to rate their children's feelings of bad mood and anxiety at age 3, 5, 7, 11 and 14, which were then compared to the height of children and their BMI. .

About one-fifth of obese people had high levels of emotional distress in adolescence. Girls were at higher risk, but co-occurrence was similar for both bades.

The researchers said it was important to remember that living in comparative poverty has only exacerbated the situation.

"Socio-economically disadvantaged areas generally have less access to healthy food and green spaces, which can contribute to increased obesity and increased emotional problems," said Dr. Praveetha Patalay, of University College London.

It is also worrying that adolescents are aware of and internalize society's attitudes towards being overweight, factors that multiply potential risk factors. Failure to control one's weight could lead to feelings of "failure, guilt, and altered self-esteem" if one tries to restrict one's diet.

This can then lead to a harmful cycle of "emotional foods" and "alterations in stress-induced metabolic signals that control energy balance".

Researchers reported that their work was adjusted to take into account a range of factors that may affect obesity and mental health, including gender, ethnicity and behavioral issues, as well as mental health issues. parents.

The report was published in JAMA Psychiatry.

Health authorities estimate that about 40% of the UAE's child population is overweight or obese, this trend eventually leading to serious health problems.

The Dubai Health Authority and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority introduced in September the mandatory requirement of two and a half hours of exercise per week in schools to combat obesity.