What is it about?
People who experience child abuse are more likely to become obese in their lifetime. Past studies suggest that mental health challenges may be one reason why child abuse increases risk for obesity. This study found that an imbalance in two hormones that are important to the body's response to stress may be another reason why child abuse increases risk for obesity.
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Why is it important?
These findings highlight that child abuse can “get under the skin” to impact health, even as early as childhood. Trauma-informed approaches to the clinical care of children with abuse histories are a promising avenue for obesity prevention.
Perspectives
This study underscores that preventing child abuse, and supporting children after abuse exposure, may both be important points of intervention for obesity prevention.
Elizabeth Handley
University of Rochester
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone, and depressive symptoms as pathways from child abuse to obesity., Health Psychology, April 2025, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/hea0001513.
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