Childhood Obesity and Depression: Connection between these Growing Problems in Growing Children.

Abstract

Depression and obesity have been recognized as major public health issues in youths. Although they have traditionally been compartmentalized as separate physical and emotional health conditions, evidence suggests interactions and common pathways between them, implying that successful treatment should ideally target shared underlying mechanisms. The purpose of the present article is to review the pediatric diagnostic criteria for depression and obesity, highlight similarities in their clinical presentation, identify common pathways and underlying mechanisms, describe their developmental trajectories, and suggest areas for future study to guide development of innovative prevention and treatment initiatives.