Obesity is one of today’s most pressing health issues, increasingly affecting children and adolescents. A long-term study involving Masaryk University (MUNI) offers valuable insights into how early social and family factors influence the relationship between children’s body weight and their eating habits. The research analyzed data from over 5,000 children from the ELSPAC cohort, whose development was monitored from 18 months to 11 years of age. The study confirmed a bidirectional relationship between body weight (BMI) and overeating — higher BMI can lead to more frequent overeating, and vice versa.

Key factors include maternal BMI, parental education, the family’s financial situation, single parenting, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). These early experiences shape children's eating behaviors and contribute to increases in their BMI.

The authors emphasize that childhood obesity prevention should go beyond dietary and exercise interventions, incorporating broader social support for families and attention to children's mental health.

The study was supported by several research projects, including the National Institute for Research on Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases (EXCELES Program, Project No.: LX22NPO5104) – Funded by the European Union – Next Generation EU.

The full article is available in Pediatric Obesity here:

https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ijpo.13179

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