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Subtyping youngsters with obesity: A theory-based cluster analysis.
L Vervoort1, T Naets2, L Goossens3
1Behavioral Science Institute, Radboud University, the Netherlands; Department of Developmental Psychology, Radboud University, the Netherlands; Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium.
Appetite
|October 4, 2021
Summary
Identifying distinct psychological subtypes in obese youth is key for personalized treatment. This study found "Emotional Eating" and "Reward Deficiency" clusters, with a "Weak Executive Functioning" subtype in younger girls, informing tailored interventions for severe obesity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Obesity Research
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Psychological factors significantly influence weight gain and obesity development.
- Understanding heterogeneity in pediatric obesity is crucial for effective, individualized treatment strategies.
- Existing psychological models (Affect Regulation, Reward Deficiency, Dual Pathway) offer frameworks for subtyping obese youth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify distinct psychological subtypes among youngsters with severe obesity.
- To investigate the relationship between psychological profiles, eating behaviors, and emotional regulation.
- To provide a basis for personalized treatment approaches in pediatric obesity.
Main Methods:
- Cluster analysis (hierarchical and K-means) was performed on data from 572 participants (aged 7-19) with extreme obesity.
- Variables assessed included emotional eating, reward sensitivity, executive functions, problematic eating, affect regulation, and depressive symptoms.
- Cluster profiles were examined across age and gender subgroups (boys 7-13, boys 14-19, girls 7-13, girls 14-19).
Main Results:
- Three distinct clusters were identified across age and gender subgroups: 'Emotional Eating', 'Reward Deficiency', and 'Weak Executive Functioning' (in girls 7-13) or 'Mean Level Functioning' (in other subgroups).
- The 'Emotional Eating' cluster consistently showed vulnerable profiles (high depression, maladaptive emotion regulation, problematic eating).
- The 'Reward Deficiency' cluster presented a more resilient profile, while 'Weak Executive Functioning' and 'Mean Level Functioning' clusters indicated elevated emotional and eating problems.
Conclusions:
- Distinct psychological subtypes exist within the population of youngsters with severe obesity.
- These subtypes exhibit differential patterns of emotional problems and problematic eating behaviors.
- Subtyping obese youth based on psychological mechanisms is essential for developing targeted and personalized treatment interventions.
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