The long‐term effects of childhood adiposity on depression and anxiety in adulthood: A systematic review
Authors' conclusion
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.
Study context
- Population
- Studies of childhood weight status (age ≤18 years) and depression and/or anxiety in adulthood (age ≥19 years); MEDLINE, PsychInfo, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus searched June 6, 202216 studies
- Comparison
- Childhood adiposity and adult depression and anxiety
- Outcome
- Depression and anxiety risk in adulthood
Methodological detailsnarrative synthesis, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale quality assessment, Heterogeneity in methods and follow-up durations complicated comparisons
- Narrative synthesis
- Newcastle-Ottawa Scale quality assessment
- Heterogeneity in methods and follow-up durations complicated comparisons
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Depression in adulthood
Studies finding a significant association between childhood adiposity and increased likelihood of adult depression, particularly in females
6 of 8 studies
Further pooled results
Depressive symptom severity and anxiety outcomes in adulthood
- Limited evidence and mixed findings for associations with childhood adiposity
Original publication
The long‐term effects of childhood adiposity on depression and anxiety in adulthood: A systematic review. Obesity (Silver Spring). Published 9 August 2023. doi:10.
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