Good mental health at age 11 'reduces risk of obesity later in life'

A study by researchers at the University of Liverpool and Maynooth University has found that good mental health at age 11 reduces the risk of being overweight or obese by age 17. Published in the journal Obesity, the study involved over 8,000 children and identified age 11 as a "sensitive period" where psychological wellbeing is linked to future body weight.

The study analysed data from 4,556 11-year-olds and 3,791 14-year-olds who were classified as overweight or obese, following them up again at age 17. Psychological wellbeing was assessed through questions on self-esteem, life satisfaction, depressive symptoms, social support, body image satisfaction, and online bullying, answered by both children and their caregivers.

Results showed that better mental and psychosocial health at age 11, but not at age 14, was associated with a higher likelihood of returning to a normal weight by age 17. About 16% of the children who were overweight or obese at age 11 or 14 returned to a normal weight by 17, with 12% of these being 11-year-olds and 4% 14-year-olds.

Dr. I Gusti Ngurah Edi Putra from the University of Liverpool's Institute of Population Health explained that early adolescence is a critical period, likely due to major life changes, such as transitioning to high school. She suggested that integrating psychological support into current obesity prevention and treatment strategies could be beneficial.

Professor Eric Robinson, also from the institute, emphasised the psychological challenges of living with obesity, stressing the need for better societal support to address the issue effectively.