Abstract
Obesity rates throughout the world have risen rapidly in recent decades, and are now a leading cause of morbidity and mortality.
Several studies indicate that behavioral and affective distress in childhood may be linked to elevated adult body mass index
(BMI). The present study utilizes data from a 20-year longitudinal study to examine the relations between symptoms of conduct
disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and depression during late childhood and mid-adolescence and BMI during
emerging adulthood. Data were analyzed using multiple regression. Results suggest that childhood and adolescent problems may
influence adult BMI through direct impacts on adolescent overweight, a condition which then persists into adulthood.
Several studies indicate that behavioral and affective distress in childhood may be linked to elevated adult body mass index
(BMI). The present study utilizes data from a 20-year longitudinal study to examine the relations between symptoms of conduct
disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and depression during late childhood and mid-adolescence and BMI during
emerging adulthood. Data were analyzed using multiple regression. Results suggest that childhood and adolescent problems may
influence adult BMI through direct impacts on adolescent overweight, a condition which then persists into adulthood.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Article
- Pages 1-18
- DOI 10.1007/s10578-012-0299-9
- Authors
- Heather H. McClure, Center for Equity Promotion, College of Education, University of Oregon, 1571 Alder Street, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
- J. Mark Eddy, Partners for Our Children, School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Jean M. Kjellstrand, School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- J. Josh Snodgrass, Oregon Social Learning Center, Eugene, OR, USA
- Charles R. Martinez, Center for Equity Promotion, College of Education, University of Oregon, 1571 Alder Street, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
- Journal Child Psychiatry & Human Development
- Online ISSN 1573-3327
- Print ISSN 0009-398X