Background:-Obesity leads to co-morbidities has been established by
studies. However obesity also leads to depression is little studied. This
research was conducted to find out the association of obesity with depression
in children. Methods:- A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at
four private sector schools of Karachi. A questionnaire to evaluate
psychological state in children was prepared using criteria DSM-IV (Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual of Mental disorders 4th edition). A total of four
hundred and forty three students, randomly selected from grade 6 to grade 10
participated. Their height and weight was measured and BMI calculated. A
two-way ANOVA test with statistical significance taken as p<0.05, was
applied to determine the relationship between our covariates. Results:-24.83%
students were underweight, 53.72% had normal BMI, 21.67% children were
overweight and 2.03% were obese. Children who were either overweight or obese
had more desire to eat and higher frequency of hunger (p<0.01).The confidence
level and concentration on daily activities of overweight and obese children
was significantly higher (p<0.01) as compared to lean students. According to
bivariate Pearson Correlation test the ability to concentrate and confidence
level showed negative correlation with both desire to eat and feeling of
hunger. Higher desire to eat in overweight and obese children decreased
sleeping hours while feeling of hunger did not affect sleeping pattern.
Conclusion:-Obesity is associated with symptoms of depression. Adopting healthy
dietary routine and a physically active life is necessary to reduce the
prevalence of obesity thus decreasing depression and its adverse outcome. - Seemore at:
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