Association between obesity and mental health problems among Spanish children aged 9 and 12 years

The Eloin study

Bibliographic Data

ID15365411
AuthorsHonorato Ortiz-Marrón (0000-0003-1442-6267, Ministry of Health, corresponding author), Gloria Cabañas Pujadas (0000-0003-2853-9246, Madrid Health Service), Ana Gandarillas Grande (Ministry of Health), María Victoria Martínez Rubio (Ministry of Health), Eva María Cabrero López (Ministry of Health), María Teresa Morales San José (Ministry of Health), Agueda Quadrado Mercadal (United States Department of the Navy), Amelia Astray San Martín (Ministry of Health), María Isabel Careaga González (Madrid Health Service), Marta González Alcón (Madrid Health Service), Isabel Ferriz Vidal (BP (Spain)), Iñaki Galán (0000-0003-0624-9993, Instituto de Salud Carlos III)
Year2026
Volume26
Issue1
Publication date2026-02-07
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueBMC Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1471-2458 • E-ISSN: 1471-2458
PublisherBioMed Central (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1186/s12889-026-26349-w
PMID41654748
OpenAlexW7128294254
LanguageEN
References cited46

Obesity is an important determinant of mental health in the child and adolescent population. In this study, the association between obesity and the development of psychological problems in Spanish children aged 9 and 12 years was examined. In this prospective study, 2,473 9-year-old children and 2,119 12-year-olds who participated in the Longitudinal Study of Childhood Obesity (ELOIN) were evaluated. The standardized BMI was calculated from weight and height, and weight status was classified according to the 2007 World Health Organization criteria. Mental health difficulties were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), which was completed by the parents. BMI and SDQ scores were determined repeatedly at 9 and 12 years of age. Using generalized estimating equations, β coefficients were calculated when analysing the SDQ scores, and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to estimate mental health risk using Goodman ́s British cut-off points. Compared with participants without obesity, those who had obesity had a higher total score on the SDQ (β coefficient: 1.12 (95% CI: 0.59; 1.64)) and an increased risk of mental health risk (OR: 1.36 (95% CI: 1.09; 1.69)). ORs of 1.48 (95% CI: 1.21; 1.81) for emotional problems, 1.40 (95% CI: 1.15; 1.70) for conduct problems, and 2.25 (95% CI: 1.83; 2.77) for problems with peers were estimated. This association of weight status with mental health difficulties was moderately greater in girls than in boys, although the difference was not statistically significant. Childhood obesity was associated with mental health difficulties, especially emotional symptoms, behavioural problems and relationships with peers. Identifying and responding to these psychological problems should also be an objective in public health policies and procedures for controlling obesity in children

Association (psychology · Biostatistics · Childhood obesity · Mental health · Obesity · Odds ratio · Public health · Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Eating Disorders and Behaviors · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet

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