Psychopathological profile of a sample of obese and overweight children undergoing weight loss treatment

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the psychopathological profile of overweight/obese children in treatment for weight loss in a specialized pediatric unit, in comparison with a group of non-overweight/obese children. A sample of 89 children (9 to 16 years-old) was evaluated for the presence of the following psychological variables: depression, anxiety, self-esteem and body satisfaction. The sample consisted of 44 overweight/obese children undergoing weight loss treatment and 45 normal-weight children. Compared to the children with normal weight, the overweight/ obese children presented more body dissatisfaction, lower academic and body self-esteem, and higher levels of anxiety. The variable which best discriminated between the groups was body dissatisfaction. The results support previous studies that have shown the presence of psychopathology in obese children, and the existence of differential psychopathological features.