ABSTRACT
Whereas the physical health risks of childhood obesity have been widely documented, much less research has focused on the social and psychological factors that appear to be associated with excess weight in childhood. Little is known about whether or not these psychosocial factors are risk factors for, or primarily consequences of, childhood obesity. Research focusing on the psychosocial aspects of childhood obesity is crucial for two main reasons: first because psychosocial problems (including problems such as teasing and bullying, low self-esteem, depression and eating disorders) are likely to have more impact on the lives of more obese children than any of the other adverse consequences associated with obesity; second because, although biological factors (such as genetic vulnerability) are likely to exert an important influence upon the development and persistence of obesity, if psychosocial factors also play an important role, they may be more amenable to modification.
