Psychiatric Disorders and Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence—A Systematic Review of Cross-Sectional Studies

Abstract

Obesity and psychiatric disorders have high prevalence and are both considered major health problems. Within the last decades, the rates of obesity have risen over 6%, while the prevalence of psychiatric disorders is over 12% for children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to systematically review the evidence regarding the relation of obesity and psychiatric disorders in childhood and adolescence. This review, based on the PRISMA guidelines, included cross-sectional studies published within the last decade, pertaining to the relation between psychiatric disorders and obesity in children and adolescents up to the age of 19 years. Studies on eating disorders were excluded. A total of 14 studies of 23,442 children and adolescents that investigated the relation of obesity with anxiety, mood disorders, and psychosis were included in this systematic review. Nine of the included studies reported a significant relationship between the psychiatric disorder under investigation and obesity. Understanding the nexus between obesity and psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents is of great importance, given the alarming increase in both conditions in youth. Such findings could facilitate the development and implementation of targeted interventions.

Understanding the dynamics emerging from the interplay among poor mental wellbeing, energy balance‐related behaviors, and obesity prevalence in adolescents: A simulation‐based study

“…Existing research on adolescent obesity, thus far, has mainly focused on the associations between individual mental wellbeing indicators and obesity prevalence in isolation. 8,24,25 There is a paucity of evidence about interconnecting pathways between mental wellbeing and obesity. Poor mental wellbeing and obesity present a complex set of challenges that are resistant to change.…”

Association between anxiety and elevated blood pressure in adolescent patients: a single-center cross-sectional study

“…Analysis of nonobese subgroup of patients (Table 4) confirmed association between parentally assessed anxiety and both systolic and diastolic elevated BP; therefore, suggesting that anxiety is an independent risk factor for elevated BP. Moreover, multiple studies confirm the association between anxiety and obesity in adolescent children and adults [44–46]. Obesity can cause low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction predisposing to anxiety [47] whereas anxiety can result in unhealthy eating and lack of exercise predisposing to obesity [48].…”

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

“…2 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.…”

“…Childhood obesity is associated with an increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular complications, including elevated fasting blood glucose levels, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and hypertension 2 . 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 .…”