Research identifies childhood traumatic stress as potential risk factor for obesity in adulthood

Scientific studies often attribute obesity to poor nutrition and lack of activity, but recent research has identified childhood traumatic stress as a potential risk factor for obesity in adulthood.

The research, published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress, included 148 adult women. Eric A. Dedert, Ph.D., lead author for the study and research psychologist at the North Carolina Veterans Affairs Medical Center, says that nearly half of the women studied reported exposure to childhood physical and/or sexual abuse. Almost 80 percent of the women had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression or both.

The women who reported abuse were more likely to experience PTSD and depression, and were also more likely to be overweight in adulthood.

Although the study suggests an association between childhood trauma and obesity, the study also suggests that that how a person reacts to trauma can influence adult weight. The research indicates that PTSD and depression may account for the relationship between childhood trauma and weight problems in adulthood.

The study concludes that children who experience trauma could benefit from intervention to prevent obesity. Screening and early treatment of psychiatric disorders could help curb weight problems and improve physical and mental health in adulthood.