The long-term effects of childhood adiposity on depression and anxiety in adulthood: A systematic review

ObjectiveThis review aimed to evaluate the association between childhood adiposity and depression and anxiety risk in adulthood. MethodsMEDLINE, PsychInfo, Embase, CINAHL, and Scopus were searched on June 6, 2022, to identify studies that investigated the association between childhood weight status (age & LE;18 years) and outcomes of depression and/or anxiety in adulthood (age & GE;19 years). Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and results were narratively synthesized. ResultsSixteen studies were eligible for inclusion, with heterogeneity in methods and follow-up durations complicating comparisons. Six out of eight studies found a statistically significant association between childhood adiposity and increased likelihood of depression in adulthood, particularly in females. However, overall evidence was of moderate quality and study limitations prevented causal conclusions. In contrast, limited evidence and mixed findings were reported for the associations between childhood adiposity and depressive symptom severity or anxiety outcomes in adulthood. ConclusionsEvidence suggests that childhood adiposity is associated with greater vulnerability to depression in adulthood, particularly in females. However, further research is warranted to address the limitations discussed. Future research should also explore how changes in weight status from childhood to adulthood might differentially influence the likelihood of depression.

Automated summary

This review examines the association between childhood adiposity and the risk of depression and anxiety in adulthood. The findings suggest that childhood adiposity is linked to a higher likelihood of depression in adulthood, particularly among females. However, the overall quality of evidence is moderate and the study limitations prevent firm causal conclusions. Limited evidence and mixed findings were reported for the associations between childhood adiposity and depressive symptom severity or anxiety outcomes in adulthood.