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Adverse family experiences during childhood and adolescent obesity

William J Heerman1, Shanthi Krishnaswami2, Shari L Barkin1

  • 1Division of General Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.

Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)
|February 9, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Childhood adverse family experiences (AFEs) significantly increase adolescent obesity risk. Non-Hispanic White children face the highest risk, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Psychology

Background:

  • Adverse family experiences (AFEs) in childhood are linked to negative health outcomes.
  • Understanding the association between AFEs and adolescent obesity is crucial for public health.
  • Identifying at-risk populations is essential for targeted prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between childhood adverse family experiences (AFEs) and adolescent obesity.
  • To identify specific demographic groups at higher risk for AFEs and subsequent obesity.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional analysis of the 2011-2012 National Survey of Children's Health.
  • Included children aged 10-17 years, with weighted estimates representing over 31 million children.
  • AFEs measured via caregiver reports of nine psychosocial risk factors; obesity determined by caregiver-reported height and weight.

Main Results:

  • Over 30% of children experienced two or more AFEs, with significant geographic variation.
  • Children with two or more AFEs had a 20.4% obesity rate, compared to 12.5% for those with no AFEs.
  • Children with ≥2 AFEs were 1.8 times more likely to be obese, particularly Non-Hispanic White children.

Conclusions:

  • Increased exposure to childhood AFEs is associated with higher rates of adolescent overweight and obesity.
  • Geographic variations and race/ethnicity-based differences identify specific populations at elevated risk.
  • Findings underscore the importance of addressing AFEs in childhood to mitigate adolescent obesity.
Abstract

Keywords:
family issuespediatric obesitystress

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