Quality of Life, Depressive Symptoms, and Self-Esteem in Obese Versus Healthy Children: A Case-Control Study

This study aimed to assess the quality of life, depressive symptoms, and self-esteem in obese children aged 8-16 years and compare them with healthy peers.

A total of 135 participants (69 obese patients and 66 healthy controls) were included in the study. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), Kovacs Depression Scale (KDS), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) were administered to both groups.

The mean ages of the obese and control groups were 11.9 ± 2.3 and 12.1 ± 2.1 years, respectively, with no significant difference in age or sex distribution (p > 0.05). The total Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) scores were significantly lower in the obese group than in the control group (69.4 ± 16.2 vs. 82.4 ± 9.5, p = 0.001). Although the mean Kovacs Depression Scale (KDS) score (11.9 ± 7.2 vs. 9.9 ± 5.4, p = 0.064). and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) (2.2 ± 1.8 vs. 1.8 ± 1.1, p = 0.137) were higher in obese children but did not differ significantly between the groups. In addition, the obese group demonstrated elevated fasting insulin levels (mean: 17.4 ± 6.2 μIU/mL), increased HOMA-IR indices (3.9 ± 1.4), and dyslipidemia characterized by elevated triglycerides and low HDL, all of which indicate early metabolic disturbance.

Childhood obesity is significantly associated with impaired quality of life, regardless of depression or self-esteem scores when assessed independently. These findings emphasize the importance of early identification and psychosocial support for obese children to improve their mental health and social functioning.