Does childhood obesity impact mental health in adulthood?

A study has examined the impact of childhood obesity on mental health.

In the genetic study, published in BMC Medicine, investigators analyzed the genetic data of more than 453,000 individuals participating in the UK Biobank.

The investigators found that although a higher body size in adulthood increased the risk of anxiety and depression, a higher childhood body size appeared to confer a protective effect against later anxiety and depression later in life — as long as the individuals maintained a normal weight in adulthood.

The findings may help illuminate how adverse health outcomes are linked to adiposity at different stages of life as well as guide targeted interventions and disease prevention strategies. The investigators emphasized the significance of weight management throughout life.

Read more: BMC Medicine

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