Adults who are overweight or obese are at increased risk for psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Many health professionals suspect that overweight and obese children are also at increased risk for psychiatric problems. Researchers from Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina, and Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, studied the prevalence of psychiatric problems in obese and overweight youth.

The parents of 991 9- to 16-year-olds from western North Carolina completed questionnaires and were interviewed about their child's behavior. At each interview, the investigators measured each child's height and weight before asking questions to determine if they had shown signs of a conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder (a condition in which a child is uncooperative, defiant, and hostile toward authority figures), depressive disorder, phobia, eating disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or substance abuse.

In this group of children, the obesity rates were three to four times greater than the national rates identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Overall, there were no significant differences in family characteristics between children who were never obese and children who were always obese or who had become obese during the course of the study. Only chronically obese children were significantly more likely than nonobese children to have a psychiatric disorder, specifically depression and oppositional defiant disorder.

What This Means to You

Chronically obese children are at risk for psychological and behavioral disorders, including depression and oppositional defiant disorder. If your child is overweight or obese, you should be aware of the possible psychological implications of the condition and discuss any concerns with your child's doctor. He or she can help you and your child work toward achieving a healthy weight, while suggesting treatment for any psychological problems that may be present or arise.

Source: Sarah Mustillo, PhD; Carol Worthman, PhD; Alaattin Erkanli, PhD; Gordon Keeler, MS; Adrian Angold, MRCPsych; and E. Jane Costello, PhD; Pediatrics, April 2003

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: May 2003