Essay on Psychological Correlates of Childhood Obesity

• Introduction:

From my previous research and reading, I know that obesity, especially among children, is a growing problem in many countries. Obesity is not only caused by genetic predisposition but also by environmental factors that influence the intake and expenditure of energy. Some of the materials and articles I have read have also mentioned the possible relationship between psychological factors such as mental illnesses and obesity and overweight. I chose the topic of psychological correlates of childhood obesity to understand better how this relationship works.

• Summary of the article:

It is necessary to identify and control psychological factors that enhance the development of childhood obesity. The objective of Puder and Munsch’s [1] study was to examine the role of psychological factors in influencing child obesity. Child obesity is a dynamic process that is dependent on the behaviors and attitudes of a family context. The two primary sources of literature on child obesity used in this review include clinical and non-clinical samples of parents and children. Most studies, especially clinical samples, have indicated that the family structure, such as eating habits and stress management, determine the BMI of children. Child obesity is bi-directional, studies showing that emotional factors cause obesity, and in turn, obesity causes psychosocial problems. External behavioral problems such as impulsive behaviors are common among children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, other studies indicate that ADHD is not the only cause of obesity. Diet and nutritional deficits also contribute to a child’s BMI. Obese children showed a high risk of development of emotional problems such as isolation, depression, and withdrawal. However, a study on overweight children aged between 8-12 years also found that a mother’s psychopathological problems predicted a child’s internal psychological problems. Uncontrolled and binge-eating disorder (BED) was prevalent among obese children. In conclusion, this study indicates that there is a strong mutual association between childhood obesity and psychological factors. However, further exploration in the subject of obesity is necessary for clinical assessment of psychological problems.

• Discussion:

Puder and Munsch [1] discuss psychological factors that affect obesity and overweight, such as psychological factors in the context of family, externalizing factors regarding impulsivity, internalizing factors concerning emotional regulation, and uncontrolled eating behavior. Eating behaviors in the family and their transmission play an essential role in the development and sustenance of obesity and overweight. Children observe and imitate their parents eating styles and behavior, which can lead to obesity in cases where the parents’ eating behaviors encourage obesity [2]. Familial stress, such as the presence of mental disorders, especially in cases involving low socio-economic status, might also contribute to the development of overweight [3]. Puder and Munsch [1] assert that most studies on obesity in children find behavioral problems such as externalizing and internalizing problems among their sample population. In children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHDs), an increase in body weight can be associated with an increase in energy intake. The neurobiological explanation for this is that children with ADHD may have problems controlling their impulses to eat due to a dopamine dysfunction compensated by increased food consumption. ADHD can lead to obesity and diet dysfunctions, among many other problems [4]. Obese children also experience internalizing problems with their emotional regulation such as depression, anxiety, isolation, and social withdrawal. For instance, depressiveness can be used as a predictive value for obesity since eating works as a coping strategy for stress in this case. Puder and Munsch [1] also find that uncontrolled eating behavior present in obese children is responsible for increase in body fat mass. Although many studies mentioned by Puder and Munsch find a strong association between obesity and psychological problems, the generalizability of these findings is still limited. Puder and Munsch [1] mention the diversity of study samples and methods of assessment as a limitation of their study.

• Conclusion:

Studying psychological correlates of obesity is essential in order to enhance the prevention and intervention of obesity among children. Understanding psychological factors relating to obesity can help identify the risk of obesity early and take necessary action. Findings from this study are valid because they are based on scientific research from different authors and organizations. However, there is need to conduct further studies on the association between psychological problems and the development of obesity and overweight, and more specifically, to identify the cause of this association. For parents, understanding the psychological correlates of obesity can help deal or manage obesity among children.

References

1. Puder JJ, Munsch S. Psychological correlates of childhood obesity. International journal of obesity. 2010 Dec 13;34(S2): S37.
2. Laessle RG, Uhl H, Lindel B. Parental influences on eating behavior in obese and nonobese preadolescents. International Journal of Eating Disorders. 2001 Dec;30(4):447-53.
3. Hasler G, Pine DS, Kleinbaum DG, Gamma A, Luckenbaugh D, Ajdacic V, Eich D, Rössler W, Angst J. Depressive symptoms during childhood and adult obesity: the Zurich Cohort Study. Molecular psychiatry. 2005 Sep;10(9):842-50.
4. Rodriguez A, Miettunen J, Henriksen TB, Olsen J, Obel C, Taanila A et al. Maternal adiposity prior to pregnancy is associated with ADHD symptoms in offspring: evidence from three prospective pregnancy cohorts. Int J Obes (Lond) 2008; 32: 550–557.
5. Goossens L, Braet C, Van Vlierberghe L, Mels S. Loss of control over eating in overweight youngsters: the role of anxiety, depression, and emotional eating. European Eating Disorders Review: The Professional Journal of the Eating Disorders Association. 2009 Jan;17(1):68-78.