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Obesity & depression link in children

While it has been noticed that obesity and depression often occur together, researchers are unsure as to which comes first.

A study in Pediatrics looked at 1000 children aged nine to sixteen over eight years. Results showed that the longer a child was overweight, the more they became at risk for depression and other mental health problems.

While the causes are not clear, it is possible that both physical and social factors are involved.

While this study took place in the U.S., Australian obesity and depression figures are also alarming. We can assist children to manage both their blood sugar levels (linked to healthy weight management) and their brain chemistry (depression prevention & management) by following mood nutrition principles.

The longer a child was overweight, the more they became at risk for depression and other mental health problems.