Obesity and overweight among children and adolescents with bipolar disorder from the general population: A review of the scientific literature and a meta‐analysis

Abstract

There is substantial evidence of the high prevalence of obesity (OB) and overweight (OW) and their association with increased medical and psychiatric burden among adults with bipolar disorder (BD). However, little is known regarding its prevalence among young people with BD, other than the risk from psychotropic medication, which has been the focus of research in this population. We present a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the literature on prevalence and correlates of OB and OW children and adolescents with BD using a different perspective than impact of medication. Four studies met inclusion criteria. The prevalence of OB in children and adolescents with BD was 15% (95% CI 11–20%). We observed a higher prevalence of OB in comparison to the general population. Different studies found significant associations between OB, OW, and BD in young populations including non‐Caucasian race, physical abuse, suicide attempts, self‐injurious behaviours, psychotropic medication, and psychiatric hospitalizations.

Exploring the relationships between extreme Body mass index and pain, somatic health, and psychiatric disorders in adolescents: a multinational analysis of general population data

“…However, research suggests a multifaceted explanatory model that involves various contributing factors. Previous studies have linked the elevated prevalence of bipolar disorder in adolescents with OB to facets of their lifestyles, such as excessive carbohydrate intake (169,170), lack of physical activity (171,172), substance abuse (173,174), in ammation (175,176), and mood-related binge eating (169,170,173). However, common genetic elements and irregularities in neurotransmitters could potentially underlie both conditions (177)(178)(179).…”

Efficacy of topiramate in reducing second‐generation antipsychotic‐associated weight gain among children: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…3 Conversely, children diagnosed with psychiatric conditions, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, exhibit a higher prevalence of obesity compared to the general population. 4,5 This comorbidity of obesity and psychiatric disorders points to a complex and bidirectional interrelationship, potentially arising from overlapping risk factors and pathological pathways with shared aetiological factors. 6 Moreover, evidence suggests that children with obesity are approximately five times more likely to retain this condition into adulthood compared to their nonobese counterparts, 7 underscoring the urgency for addressing this issue early in life.…”

“…Beyond these physical health challenges, childhood obesity significantly impacts mental well‐being, with evidence suggesting a heightened risk of psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, mood disorders, and psychosis among children with obesity 3 . Conversely, children diagnosed with psychiatric conditions, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, exhibit a higher prevalence of obesity compared to the general population 4,5 . This comorbidity of obesity and psychiatric disorders points to a complex and bidirectional interrelationship, potentially arising from overlapping risk factors and pathological pathways with shared aetiological factors 6 .…”

Prevalence and associated factors of obesity and overweight in Chinese patients with bipolar disorder

“…Although current evidence remains controversial in most aspects of clinical outcomes, existing evidence suggests that obesity in BD places patients at considerable risk for poor outcomes, such as altering the course of BD, worsening global functioning, poor treatment response and a chronic course of illness, and enhancing rapid cycling ( 17 ). Furthermore, in young people with BD, obesity has been shown to be associated with physical abuse, suicide attempts, self-injurious behaviors, psychotropic medication, and psychiatric hospitalizations ( 18 ).…”