The long‐term effects of childhood adiposity on depression and anxiety in adulthood: A systematic review

Abstract

ObjectiveThis review aimed to evaluate the association between childhood adiposity and depression and anxiety risk in adulthood.MethodsMEDLINE, PsychInfo, Embase, CINAHL, and Scopus were searched on June 6, 2022, to identify studies that investigated the association between childhood weight status (age ≤18 years) and outcomes of depression and/or anxiety in adulthood (age ≥19 years). Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale and results were narratively synthesized.ResultsSixteen studies were eligible for inclusion, with heterogeneity in methods and follow‐up durations complicating comparisons. Six out of eight studies found a statistically significant association between childhood adiposity and increased likelihood of depression in adulthood, particularly in females. However, overall evidence was of moderate quality and study limitations prevented causal conclusions. In contrast, limited evidence and mixed findings were reported for the associations between childhood adiposity and depressive symptom severity or anxiety outcomes in adulthood.ConclusionsEvidence suggests that childhood adiposity is associated with greater vulnerability to depression in adulthood, particularly in females. However, further research is warranted to address the limitations discussed. Future research should also explore how changes in weight status from childhood to adulthood might differentially influence the likelihood of depression.

Nutrition and Emotional Health Education: The Use of Emotional Intelligence and a Plant-Based Diet to Reduce Cardiometabolic Risk

“…Several studies have shown that individuals who are obese are more likely to experience mental health difficulties, including social anxiety and depression. [37][38][39] Inversely, patients who achieve weight loss have reported significant improvements in anxiety and depressed mood. 35 Consistent with current evidence, 40,41 our analysis showed that EI training can improve decision-making, impulse control, and stress management, 3 of the 5 scales of the EQi.…”

Maternal folic acid supplementation during pregnancy in association with childhood overweight or obesity

“…Childhood overweight or obesity (OWO) poses significant medical and public health burdens across several countries, including Taiwan [1–5]. Children with OWO have increased risks of type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and premature death in adulthood [6–10].…”