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

Authors :
Gallagher, Claire
Waidyatillake, Nilakshi
Pirkis, Jane
Lambert, Katrina
Cassim, Raisa
Dharmage, Shyamali
Erbas, Bircan
Source :
Obesity (19307381); Sep2023, Vol. 31 Issue 9, p2218-2228, 11p
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Objective: This review aimed to evaluate the association between childhood adiposity and depression and anxiety risk in adulthood. Methods: MEDLINE, 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. Results: Sixteen 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. Conclusions: Evidence 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
19307381
Volume :
31
Issue :
9
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Obesity (19307381)
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
170060508
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.23813