Jerusalem Post
ByMAARIV ONLINE
A new American study: Negative or traumatic childhood experiences increase the risk of obesity in children, while the presence of a supportive adult in their lives may reduce these risks.
A recent American study found that children who experience negative childhood experiences, such as family divorce, bullying, neglect, violence, or financial stress, are more likely to suffer from overweight and obesity compared to their peers, while a supportive adult figure in their lives may act as a protective factor that reduces these risks.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Georgia and published in the journal JAMA Network Open, relied on data from more than 5,400 children aged 11 and 12 as part of the largest long-term study on brain development and child health in the United States.
The results showed that three out of four children reported experiencing at least one negative event in their lives, a much higher percentage than expected. These events included physical or sexual abuse, parental divorce, poverty, neglect, or bullying.
The researchers found that children who experienced such events tended to have a higher body mass index (BMI). Approximately every two increases in the number of negative experiences were associated with an increase of about half a point in BMI.
Researchers note that chronic stress not only affects behavior but also changes the body's biological and hormonal responses. Continuous exposure to stress can increase the secretion of stress hormones such as cortisol, which in turn increases appetite, especially for high-calorie and sugary foods. Moreover, adolescence is a sensitive period for weight gain, making the impact of these factors even more pronounced at this age.
A Supportive Adult Makes the Difference
The findings also had an important positive aspect, as it was found that children who had healthy coping skills for stress, or who had a supportive adult in their lives – whether a parent, teacher, or coach – achieved lower BMI scores, even when exposed to high levels of negative experiences. Researchers suggest that this support may mitigate the health effects of chronic stress and promote the ability to cope with stress in a more balanced way.
The study recommends that routine medical check-ups for children include an assessment of negative childhood experiences, which would allow for early intervention and appropriate family support. According to the researchers, early detection can be a critical window of opportunity to prevent children from developing into adults with chronic health problems that could have been avoided.
The findings emphasize that childhood obesity is not just a matter of diet and physical activity, but is also linked to deep psychological and social factors that require a comprehensive approach taking into account the child’s environment and emotional support.
