When children with obesity receive treatment to lose weight, they enjoy lasting benefits into adulthood. They have a lower chance of serious health issues and early death. A recent study from the Karolinska Institutet confirms these findings, but it also highlights that weight loss doesn’t seem to affect risks for depression and anxiety.
The study found that kids and teens who effectively treated their obesity are less likely to develop related illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and unhealthy cholesterol levels as young adults.
This treatment often involves “behavioral lifestyle therapy,” where families get support to encourage healthier eating, regular exercise, and good sleep habits.
“These results are promising,” says Emilia Hagman, a scholar from the Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology. She notes that the debate about whether childhood obesity treatment offers long-term benefits has persisted, mainly because maintaining weight loss can be tough.
Importantly, the research indicates that kids who respond well to obesity treatment also have a reduced risk of early death. Earlier findings showed a higher mortality risk in young adults with obesity, linking it to suicide and other health issues, with more than a quarter of those deaths being obesity-related.
“This underscores the need for early intervention,” Dr. Hagman explains. Timely help increases the chances of success and can lessen the long-term health issues associated with obesity.
However, the study noted that treatment did not change the risks of anxiety and depression in young adults, regardless of how effective the obesity treatment was during childhood. “It has been thought that losing weight might help with these mental health symptoms, but we have evidence that this is not the case,” Dr. Hagman says. Mental health issues must be addressed on their own, even alongside obesity treatment.
The research involved over 6,700 individuals who had childhood obesity treatment, tracked into their young adult years through various health registers in Sweden. A control group of similar age and demographics was included for comparison.
Interestingly, popular new drugs for obesity, known as GLP-1 analogues, weren’t part of the study since they weren’t available when these participants were treated. Dr. Hagman supports their use for children, as they can help reduce hunger. Still, she emphasizes that lifestyle therapy remains essential in treating childhood obesity.
The research team is now looking to discover the best therapy options for different individuals and identifying key health markers that indicate future health risks.
Note: This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult your doctor regarding any health concerns.
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