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Griffiths, LJ, Dezateux, C and Hill, AJ (2011) Is obesity associated with emotional and behavioural problems in children? Findings from the Millennium Cohort Study. International Journal of Pediatric Obesity, 6 (2-2). e423 - e432 . ISSN 1747-7166
Abstract
Objectives. We examined cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between obesity and emotional and behavioural problems in a nationally representative sample of young children. Methods. Data were available from 11 202 children (50% boys) participating in the UK's Millennium Cohort Study. Height and weight were measured at 3 and 5 years and children defined as obese using IOTF cut-offs for body mass index (BMI). Emotional and behavioural problems were parentally assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Adjusted linear and multinomial regression analyses were conducted separately for boys and girls. Results. At age 3, obese boys had more conduct problems, and obese girls had more prosocial behaviours, than their normal weight counterparts. At age 5, obese boys had more conduct problems, hyperactivity and inattention problems, peer relationship problems and total difficulties. Obese girls only had more peer relationship problems. Obese 3-year-olds were not at increased risk of abnormal scores; in contrast, obese 5-year-old boys were significantly more likely to have abnormal scores for conduct problems, hyperactivity and inattention problems, peer relationship problems, prosocial behaviours and total difficulties. Obesity, at age 3, was also predictive of peer relationship problems at age 5 in boys (95% CI: 0.26 [0.01, 0.52]). Conclusions. Childhood obesity is associated with emotional and behavioural problems from a very young age. Obese boys are at particular risk. Further research is required to examine effect modifiers and mediating factors in these associations. Recognition and response to these mental health problems should be a goal of pediatric obesity interventions and policies.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Medicine and Health (Leeds) > School of Medicine (Leeds) > Leeds Institute of Health Sciences (Leeds) > Academic Unit of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 05 Mar 2012 10:01 |
Last Modified: | 16 Sep 2016 14:15 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/17477166.2010.526221 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Wiley-Blackwell |
Identification Number: | 10.3109/17477166.2010.526221 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:43749 |
Available Versions of this Item
- Is obesity associated with emotional and behavioural problems in children? Findings from the Millennium Cohort Study. (deposited 05 Mar 2012 10:01) [Currently Displayed]