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The relationship between weight status and emotional and behavioral problems in Spanish preschool children

Iris Pérez-Bonaventura1, Roser Granero2, Lourdes Ezpeleta2

  • 1Unitat d'Epidemiologia i de Diagnòstic en Psicopatologia del Desenvolupament, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Mental Health, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, and Departament de Psicobiologia i Metodologia de les Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Unitat d'Epidemiologia i de Diagnòstic en Psicopatologia del Desenvolupament, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Mental Health, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, and Departament de Psicobiologia i Metodologia de les Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Unitat d'Epidemiologia i de Diagnòstic en Psicopatologia del Desenvolupament, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Mental Health, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, and Departament de Psicobiologia i Metodologia de les Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Iris.PerezB@e-campus.uab.cat.

Journal of Pediatric Psychology
|December 16, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Overweight preschoolers are at higher risk for behavioral issues, including peer problems and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Higher body mass index (BMI) in early childhood predicts later behavioral challenges, suggesting a need for early screening.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatric Health
  • Child Psychiatry

Background:

  • Behavioral problems in preschoolers are a significant concern for child development.
  • The relationship between weight status and behavioral issues in early childhood requires further investigation.
  • Existing research often lacks diagnostic-based instruments to confirm these associations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cross-sectional and longitudinal links between behavioral problems and weight status in preschoolers.
  • To analyze associations considering body mass index (BMI) z-scores and overweight status.
  • To identify potential early risk factors for behavioral disorders in relation to weight.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from 611 parents in a community sample.
  • Administered the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents.
  • Employed adjusted general linear models and binary logistic regressions for statistical analysis.

Main Results:

  • Overweight children and those with higher BMI z-scores showed increased risk for peer problems.
  • Higher BMI was associated with a greater likelihood of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms.
  • Elevated BMI at age 3 predicted peer problems at ages 4-5 and hyperactivity/ADHD symptoms at age 4.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides evidence for a link between weight status and ADHD symptoms in preschoolers using a diagnostic instrument.
  • Overweight preschoolers may benefit from targeted screening for behavioral disorders and peer relationship difficulties.
  • Early identification of weight status and behavioral concerns can inform timely interventions.
Abstract

Keywords:
BMIbehavioral problemschildrenoverweightpeer problemspreschool

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