A recent longitudinal study conducted by researchers at UCL has revealed that children who experience body dissatisfaction at the age of 11 are at a higher risk of developing depression by the age of 14. The findings, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, indicate that body image concerns play a significant role in the association between body mass index (BMI) and depression in children, particularly in girls.
The study involved 13,135 participants from the Millennium Cohort Study, a nationally representative birth cohort study led by UCL. The researchers discovered that a high BMI at the age of seven was associated with greater levels of depressive symptoms by the age of 14, as well as increased body dissatisfaction at the age of 11.
Furthermore, the study found that body dissatisfaction accounted for a significant portion of the link between BMI at age seven and subsequent depressive symptoms, explaining 43% of the association. Notably, these associations were found to be twice as high in girls compared to boys.
Dr. Francesca Solmi, lead author of the study, highlighted the growing prevalence of depression, overweight BMI, and body dissatisfaction among young people. The research provides strong evidence that a high BMI during childhood is associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms in later years.
The study also emphasizes the importance of body dissatisfaction as a driver of this association. The researchers suggest that efforts to reduce weight in childhood should consider the potential mental health impacts, in order to avoid stigmatization of weight and instead support children’s overall mental well-being.
However, the study did not delve into other factors that may contribute to the link between high BMI and depressive symptoms. The researchers hypothesize that biological factors such as inflammation or environmental factors such as bullying may also play a role in this association.
Emma Blundell, the first author of the study, expressed concern over certain public health strategies that focus solely on weight reduction in childhood. While promoting healthy eating and exercise is crucial, Blundell suggests that some societal messaging may inadvertently induce feelings of guilt or shame. It is essential to ensure that interventions targeting BMI do not worsen body dissatisfaction and harm children’s mental health.
To address body image concerns in early adolescence, the researchers suggest implementing psychological interventions or media literacy training that address self-esteem, social comparisons, and the influences of social media. However, further research is needed to develop more effective strategies for addressing body dissatisfaction in young people.
Dr. Solmi concludes that reducing body dissatisfaction in young individuals, especially girls, may be key in preventing depression during a stage of life when social environments and peer relationships have a significant impact.
The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers from the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, the UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, MRC Unit for Lifelong Health & Aging at UCL, and Imperial College London. The Millennium Cohort Study, which forms the basis of the research, is based at the UCL Centre for Longitudinal Studies within UCL’s Faculty of Education & Society.
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