Kids with high BMI at increased risk of developing depression later in life, study suggests
Children with a high body mass index are at greater risk for depression, new research shows.
Being overweight between the ages of 12 and 16 had the greatest impact, with them experiencing symptoms such as low mood and exhaustion until their late teens.
Experts suggested that body dissatisfaction and weight-related stigma were the main causes and that this age was a “critical point” in helping those affected.
King’s College London analyzed data from more than 10,000 twins in the Twins Early Development Study and UK Adult Twin Registry.
They looked at the relationship between BMI and depression at ages 12, 16 and 21.
The researchers at Kings College London found that being overweight had the greatest impact on depression between the ages of 12 and 16, with them experiencing symptoms such as low mood and exhaustion until their late teens.
The researchers found that children between the ages of 12 and 16 with a higher BMI were at greater risk of developing depression than those between the ages of 16 and 21.
They also found that there is a stronger association between children with a higher BMI at an early age to develop depression later in life than that children with depression do not have a higher BMI until later in childhood.
Dr. Ellen Thompson, who led the study, said: ‘Understanding the relationship between mental health problems and weight in adolescence is critical to providing timely support where it is needed.
“This study shows a stronger association between having a higher BMI at age 12 and subsequent depression symptoms at age 16 than vice versa.”
Previous research has indicated that poverty can be a risk factor, but this study adjusted for socioeconomic status and found that the relationship between depression symptoms and weight remains unaffected.
Supportive structures and positive messages about body image could be taught in PHSE to counteract depressive symptoms, the authors suggested as part of the findings published in Psychological Medicine.
Professor Thalia Eley, Professor of Developmental Behavioral Genetics at King’s College London, said: ‘This study shows that early adolescence is a critical point for developing depressive symptoms associated with weight gain.
‘Mental ill health and obesity are a growing concern for British young people and this study shows how the two are intertwined.
“Working with young teens to support them to achieve a positive body image, using strategies such as focusing on health and wellness rather than weight, can be helpful in preventing subsequent depression.”