Depressive symptoms are associated with excess weight and unhealthier lifestyle behaviors in urban adolescents

Longitudinal associations of screen time, physical activity, and sleep duration with body mass index in U.S. youth

BACKGROUND

Youth use different forms of screen time (e.g., streaming, gaming) that may be related to body mass index (BMI). Screen time is non-independent from other behaviors, including physical activity and sleep duration. Statistical approaches such as isotemporal substitution or compositional data analysis (CoDA) can model associations between these non-independent behaviors and health outcomes. Few studies have examined different types of screen time, physical activity, and sleep duration simultaneously in relation to BMI.

METHODS

Data were baseline (2017-2018) and one-year follow-up (2018-2019) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, a multi-site study of a nationally representative sample of U.S. youth (N = 10,544, mean [SE] baseline age = 9.9 [0.03] years, 48.9% female, 45.4% non-White). Participants reported daily minutes of screen time (streaming, gaming, socializing), physical activity, and sleep. Sex-stratified models estimated the association between baseline behaviors and follow-up BMI z-score, controlling for demographic characteristics, internalizing symptoms, and BMI z-score at baseline.

RESULTS

In females, isotemporal substitution models estimated that replacing 30 min of socializing (β [95% CI] = -0.03 [-0.05, -0.002]), streaming (-0.03 [-0.05, -0.01]), or gaming (-0.03 [-0.06, -0.01]) with 30 min of physical activity was associated with a lower follow-up BMI z-score. In males, replacing 30 min of socializing (-0.03 [-0.05, -0.01]), streaming (-0.02 [-0.03, -0.01]), or gaming (-0.02 [-0.03, -0.01]) with 30 min of sleep was associated with a lower follow-up BMI z-score. In males, replacing 30 min of socializing with 30 min of gaming was associated with a lower follow-up BMI z-score (-0.01 [-0.03, -0.0001]). CoDA estimated that in males, a greater proportion of time spent in baseline socializing, relative to the remaining behaviors, was associated with a higher follow-up BMI z-score (0.05 [0.02, 0.08]). In females, no associations between screen time and BMI were observed using CoDA.

CONCLUSIONS

One-year longitudinal associations between screen time and BMI may depend on form of screen time, what behavior it replaces (physical activity or sleep), and participant sex. The alternative statistical approaches yielded somewhat different results. Experimental manipulation of screen time and investigation of biopsychosocial mechanisms underlying the observed sex differences will allow for causal inference and can inform interventions.

Dietary habits, depression and obesity: an intricate relationship to explore in pediatric preventive strategies

Obesity and depression represent major health problems due to their high prevalence and morbidity rates. Numerous evidences elucidated the connections between dietary habits and the incidence or severity of depression. This overview aims to investigate the intricate relationship between dietary patterns and depression with the objective of elaborating preventive strategies for childhood obesity. Literature data recognized that there is a link between mood and food choices, with certain foods selected for their impact on the brain's reward centers. This behavior parallels the one observed in substance addiction, suggesting a specific neural mechanism for food addiction that contributes to overeating and obesity. It is important to note the significant correlation between obesity and depression, indicating a shared biological pathway influencing these conditions. Stress substantially affects also eating behaviors, often leading to increased consumption of pleasurable and rewarding foods. This can trigger a cycle of overeating, weight gain, and psychological distress, exacerbating mood disorders and obesity. In addition, consumption of certain types of foods, especially "comfort foods" high in fat and calories, may provide temporary relief from symptoms of depression, but can lead to long-term obesity and further mental health problems. Understanding these complex interactions is critical to developing preventive strategies focusing on dietary, emotional, and environmental factors, thereby reducing the risk of obesity and mood disorders.

Weight-centric treatment of depression and chronic pain

Background

Depression and chronic pain are two major chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCD). Considering the bidirectional relationship between obesity and CNCD, it is of the utmost importance to understand the effect of medications utilized to treat these diseases on body weight.

Methods

This is a clinical review on the effect of medications for depression and chronic pain on body weight. We searched PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases for studies on the topic from January 1, 1950 to April 1, 2022 in English language. Additionally, we present expert opinions in the fields of obesity, depression and chronic pain, providing a weight-centric approach to treat depression and chronic pain.

Results

Several antidepressant and chronic pain medications are associated with weight gain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidases, mirtazapine and trazodone are common antidepressants that can increase body weight while bupropion is significantly associated with weight loss. Gabapentin and pregabalin are common chronic pain medications that are linked to weight gain. On the other hand, topiramate is associated with significant weight loss. Obesity, depression and chronic pain experts recommend avoiding medications that can increase body weight if another effective alternative is available.

Conclusion

By shifting prescribing practices toward a weight-conscious approach (i.e., switching from weight gain medications to weight loss/neutral), it is possible to mitigate the incidence of drug-induced weight gain.

Parent Intention to Enroll in an Online Intervention to Enhance Health Behavior Change among Youth Treated with Psychotropic Medication Who Are Overweight or Obese: An Elicitation Study

Youth who are prescribed psychotropic medication are disproportionally affected by overweight/obesity (OW/OB), yet few interventions have been tailored to their needs. To develop new interventions, it is important to address the needs, preferences, and intentions of target users. Qualitative methods within the theory of planned behavior (TPB) framework were used in this study to identify salient beliefs which may influence attitudes associated with parents’ intentions to participate in a future online intervention designed to develop behavioral health coaching skills among parents and guardians. Twenty parents and guardians of youth with OW/OB who were taking psychotropic medications, and were eligible for the study, were recruited through TurkPrime. Parents and guardians identified key salient beliefs consistent with the theory of planned behavior including behavioral beliefs (e.g., access and convenience), normative beliefs (e.g., family), and control beliefs (e.g., cost) that may influence their decision to enroll in a future, parent-oriented intervention. The results of this study suggest important salient beliefs which may be included in future research, as well as specific preferences which may be used to guide the development of a future intervention. Future work should focus on the creation of a salient belief quantitative measure and assess the relationships of these beliefs to attitudinal constructs and behaviors.

Dietary patterns and internalizing symptoms in children and adolescents: A meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Studies of child and adolescent internalizing symptoms and dietary pattern have produced mixed results.

OBJECTIVES

To quantify the association between dietary patterns and internalizing symptoms, including depression, in children and adolescents.

DATA SOURCES

Embase, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Web of Science and Cochrane up to March 2021.

STUDY SELECTION

Observational studies and randomized controlled trials with mean age ⩽ 18 years, reporting associations between diet patterns and internalizing symptoms.

DATA EXTRACTION

Mean effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals were determined under a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies were cross-sectional, 12 were prospective, and 1 used a case-control design. The total number of participants enrolled ranged from 73,726 to 116,546. Healthy dietary patterns were negatively associated with internalizing (r = -0.07, p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval [-0.12, 0.06]) and depressive symptoms (r = -0.10, p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval [-0.18, -0.08]). Effect sizes were larger for studies of healthy dietary patterns and internalizing and depressive symptoms using self-report versus parent-report measures, as well as in cross-sectional studies of healthy dietary patterns and depression compared to prospective studies. Unhealthy dietary patterns were positively associated with internalizing (r = 0.09, p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval [0.06, 0.14]) and depressive symptoms (r = 0.10, p < 0.01, 95% CI [0.05, 0.17]). Larger effect sizes were observed for studies of unhealthy dietary patterns and internalizing and depressive symptoms using self-report versus parent-report measures.

LIMITATIONS

A lack of studies including clinical samples and/or physician diagnosis, and a paucity of studies in which anxiety symptoms were the primary mental health outcome.

CONCLUSION

Greater depression and internalizing symptoms are associated with greater unhealthy dietary patterns and with lower healthy dietary intake among children and adolescents.

Gender Differences in Job Burnout, Career Choice Regret, and Depressive Symptoms Among Chinese Dental Postgraduates: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Job burnout, career choice regret, and depressive symptoms among medical students have received widespread attention. However, little is known about the role of gender in these areas for dental postgraduates. This study aimed to explore gender differences in job burnout, career choice regret, and depressive symptoms among Chinese dental postgraduates.

Methods

The data were collected from an epidemiological survey conducted by our group from February 2021 to March 2021. We used a self-administered questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders scale, and the Career Choice Regret scale. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to explore influencing factors.

Results

A total of 558 valid dental postgraduate questionnaires were included in this study. The prevalence of job burnout, career choice regret, and depressive symptoms exceeded 30% in males and females. The prevalence of job burnout was 4.7% higher in females than in males; career choice regret was 12.2% higher in females than in males (P < 0.05), and depressive symptoms were 4.9% higher in females than in males. The multivariable analysis showed that factors associated with job burnout for males were sleep time and career choice regret for females. The influencing factors on career choice regret for females were postgraduate entrance examination score, sleep time, and job burnout. Depressive symptoms were a common influencing factor for job burnout and career choice regret in male and female dental postgraduates. Also, job burnout and depressive symptoms had the highest odds ratio for influencing factors on each other.

Conclusion

Over 30% of dental postgraduates suffered from job burnout, career choice regret, and depressive symptoms, and incidences were higher in females. A discrepancy of influencing factors existed between male and female dental postgraduates. Targeted measures should be taken to change this situation.

Influence of External Natural Environment Including Sunshine Exposure on Public Mental Health: A Systematic Review

The COVID-19 pandemic has been raging around the world and public health measures such as lockdowns have forced people to go out less often, reducing sunlight exposure time, green space use, and physical activity. It is well known that exercise has a positive impact on mental health, but the impact of external environmental factors such as sunlight exposure and green space use on mental health has not been systematically reviewed. In this review, we categorized the major factors that may affect people’s mental health into (1) external environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight and green spaces, (2) internal life factors such as physical activity and lifestyle, and (3) mixed external and internal factors, and systematically examined the relationship between each factor and people’s mental health. The results showed that exposure to sunlight, spending leisure time in green spaces, and physical activity each had a positive impact on people’s mental health, including depression, anxiety, and stress states. Specifically, moderate physical activity in an external environment with sunlight exposure or green space was found to be an important factor. The study found that exposure to the natural environment through sunbathing and exercise is important for people’s mental health.

Trajectories of adolescent stressful life events and young adults' socioeconomic and relational outcomes: Weight and depressive symptoms as mediators

Little is known about how biological and psychological consequences of adolescent stressful life events (SLEs) are jointly associated with socioeconomic and relational outcomes in adulthood. To address this gap, the present study involved testing a model based on the life course perspective that posits adolescent SLE trajectories produce parallel trajectories of depressive symptoms and weight status, which are jointly associated with socioeconomic status and intimate relationship quality in adulthood. Prospective data over 13 years from a nationally representative sample of 11,677 US adolescents was utilized. The results demonstrated that trajectories of BMI and depressive symptoms, which showed contemporaneous and longitudinal comorbidities over the early life course, were influenced by adolescent SLEs. Both BMI and depressive symptoms trajectories are additively and jointly associated with socioeconomic status and intimate relationship quality in adulthood. Additionally, adolescent SLE trajectories are directly associated with these adult outcomes. These observed associations persisted even after controlling for early family socioeconomic adversity and race/ethnicity. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.

Factors Related to Depressive Symptoms in University Students

Objective: To identify and discuss the frequency of depressive symptoms and their associated factors in university students. Materials and method: This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study with a quantitative approach, conducted in a Higher Education Institution. The study was developed with a convenience sample consisting of 571 undergraduate students from different areas. A questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic/academic data, as well as depressive symptoms and their associations, life habits, emotional aspects, and possible eating disorders. For data analysis, descriptive statistics and Pearson’s chi-square test were used for associations, with a significance level of 5 % (p-value ≤ 0.05). Results: The university students presented depressive symptoms such as sleep disorders (61.1 %) and reduced self-confidence (50.9 %). There was an association of depressive symptoms with the course, satisfaction with academic performance, obesity, consumption of sugars and sweets, and practice and frequency of physical activity. Conclusions: It is expected that the results of this research contribute to the population’s critical and reflective thinking to expand visibility and scientific studies referring to the theme, as well as to increase resources for the management of mental health and reduce the stigmas generated.

Noncommunicable Disease Risk Factors Among Adolescent Boys and Girls in Bangladesh: Evidence From a National Survey

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of noncommunicable disease (NCD) risk factors and the factors associated with the coexistence of multiple risk factors (≥ 2 risk factors) among adolescent boys and girls in Bangladesh.

Methods

Data on selected NCD risk factors collected from face to face interviews of 4,907 boys and 4,865 girls in the national Nutrition Surveillance round 2018-2019, was used. Descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed.

Results

The prevalence of insufficient fruit and vegetable intake, inadequate physical activity, tobacco use, and being overweight/obese was 90.72%, 29.03%, 4.57%, and 6.04%, respectively among boys; and 94.32%, 50.33%, 0.43%, and 8.03%, respectively among girls. Multiple risk factors were present among 34.87% of boys and 51.74% of girls. Younger age (p < 0.001), non-slum urban (p < 0.001) and slum residence (p < 0.001), higher paternal education (p = 0.001), and depression (p < 0.001) were associated with the coexistence of multiple risk factors in both boys and girls. Additionally, higher maternal education (p < 0.001) and richest wealth quintile (p = 0.023) were associated with the coexistence of multiple risk factors in girls.

Conclusion

The government should integrate specific services into the existing health and non-health programs which are aimed at reducing the burden of NCD risk factors.

The Effects of Interrupting Sitting Time on Affect and State Anxiety in Children of Healthy Weight and Overweight: A Randomized Crossover Trial

PURPOSE

Sedentary time relates to higher anxiety and more negative affect in children. This study assessed whether interrupting sitting over 3 hours is sufficient to influence state anxiety, positive affect, or negative affect, and tested weight status as a moderator.

METHODS

Analyses were the second (preplanned) purpose of a larger study. Children (N = 61; age: mean [SD] = 9.5 [1.3]; 43% healthy weight) completed 2 experimental conditions: continuous sitting for 3 hours and sitting for 3 hours interrupted with walking for 3 minutes in every 30 minutes. State anxiety, positive affect, and negative affect were reported at pretest and posttest. Multilevel models for repeated measures assessed whether experimental condition predicted posttest scores.

RESULTS

Experimental condition was unrelated to posttest state anxiety or positive affect. Weight status moderated how experimental condition influenced posttest negative affect (P = .003). Negative affect was lower in the children of healthy weight after interrupted sitting (vs continuous sitting; β = -0.8; 95% confidence interval, -1.5 to 0.0, P = .05), but it was higher in the children with overweight/obesity after interrupted sitting (vs continuous sitting; β = 0.6; 95% confidence interval, 0.0 to 1.2, P = .06).

CONCLUSIONS

Interrupting sitting acutely reduced negative affect in children of healthy weight, but not in children with overweight. Further research is needed to better understand the potential emotional benefits of sitting interruptions in youth.

Psychosocial Mechanism of Adolescents' Depression: A Dose-Response Relation with Physical Activity

Depression has become the most prevalent mental health problem in developing countries, and especially among adolescents. Lubans and his colleagues proposed a psychosocial mechanism to understand the trajectory of mental health (i.e., depression). Thus, this study aimed (1) to examine the relations between different doses of physical activity (PA), light PA (LPA), moderate PA (MPA), and vigorous PA (VPA), academic self-efficacy, and depression among adolescents, and (2) to investigate the direct and indirect relations of various doses of PA to depression through academic self-efficacy among middle school adolescents. Participants were 428 (235 boys, Mean age = 13.7) adolescents recruited from two middle schools in China. They completed previously validated questionnaires to measure different intensity levels of PA (LPA, MPA, and VPA), academic self-efficacy, and depression. There were significant associations of academic self-efficacy with three different doses of PA (p < 0.01). Both LPA and MPA were negatively associated with depression but not VPA. Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed a well-fit model suggesting the psychosocial pathway from different doses of PA to depression through academic self-efficacy. Findings of this study indicated that academic self-efficacy regulates adolescents' depression. Tailoring different intensities of PA benefits adolescents' academic self-efficacy by framing the positive and supportive environment in schools, which can potentially reduce the prevalence of depression during adolescence.

The relationship between screen-based sedentary behaviors and symptoms of depression and anxiety in youth: a systematic review of moderating variables

Background

To elucidate the populations and conditions where screen-based sedentary behaviors (SB) and internalizing symptoms are coupled, this review synthesized the evidence for factors that may moderate the associations between screen-based SB, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms among youth.

Methods

Two independent researchers conducted a systematic literature search of the Medline, psycINFO, and Scopus electronic databases in late 2018 for observational studies assessing moderators of the association between screen-based SB and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Studies among children and adolescents were eligible if moderation was assessed by statistical test (interaction) or stratification; and a narrative synthesis of eligible studies was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.

Results

Seventy empirical studies (46 cross-sectional, 19 longitudinal, and 5 both) of 13 different moderating variables of screen-based SB-internalizing symptom associations met the eligibility criteria. Of these, 40 studies were of depressive symptoms, 2 were of anxiety symptoms, and 28 studies assessed symptoms of both. The most consistent evidence of moderation was for screen-type, such that TV viewing was not as strongly associated with internalizing symptoms compared to other forms of screen-based SB. There was also inconsistent evidence for physical activity buffering screen-based SB-internalizing symptom associations and for female sex amplifying screen-based SB-internalizing symptom associations. In general, the body of evidence for anxiety symptoms was more limited than that for depressive symptoms, and were therefore more inconsistent.

Conclusions

Screen-type, physical activity, and sex may influence the magnitude of screen-based SB-internalizing symptom coupling; highlighting potential sources of heterogeneity of screen-based SB-internalizing symptom associations. Additional studies aimed at understanding potential mechanistic explanations for the above moderators are needed prior to the development of tailored intervention strategies designed to decouple screen-based SB and internalizing symptoms among youth.

Obesity in Adolescents with Psychiatric Disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This narrative review synthesized recent research related to obesity in adolescents with psychiatric disorders, with a focus on epidemiology, mechanisms, and weight management approaches. The paper reviews literature on depressive and anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS

Depression has a bidirectional relationship with obesity. Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and their treatments, increase the risk of developing obesity. Mechanisms underlying this weight gain include lifestyle and environmental factors and psychiatric medications, though emerging evidence has also suggested the role of genetic and neuroendocrine processes. Evidence about the most effective treatments for obesity in adolescents with psychiatric disorders remains limited. Adolescents with psychiatric disorders are at high risk for obesity. Close monitoring for increases in weight and cardiometabolic risk factors with use of antipsychotic and mood-stabilizing medications is recommended. Clinical trials are needed that test the efficacy of weight management strategies for this population.

Resveratrol ameliorates depressive disorder through the NETRIN1-mediated extracellular signal-regulated kinase/cAMP signal transduction pathway

Depressive disorder is a mental health disorder caused by the dysfunction of nerve regeneration, neuroendocrine and neurobiochemistry, which frequently results in cognitive impairments and disorder. Evidence has shown that resveratrol offers benefits for the treatment of depressive disorder. In the present study, the therapeutic effects of resveratrol were investigated and the potential mechanisms mediated by resveratrol were analyzed in hippocampal neuron cells. The anti‑oxidative stress and anti‑inflammatory properties of resveratrol were also examined in vitro and in vivo. The results revealed that resveratrol administration inhibited the inflammation in hippocampal neuron cells induced by ouabain. Oxidative stress in the hippocampal neuron cells was ameliorated by resveratrol treatment in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the apoptosis of hippocampal neuron cells was inhibited by the upregulation of anti‑apoptotic genes, including P53, B‑cell lymphoma‑2 (Bcl‑2) and Bcl‑2‑associated death promoter, and the downregulation of the cleaved caspase‑3 and caspase‑9. The analysis of the mechanism revealed that that resveratrol treatment suppressed the apoptosis of hippocampal neuron cells through the NETRIN1‑mediated extracellular signal‑regulated kinase/cAMP signal transduction pathway. The results of the in vivo assay showed that resveratrol treatment led to improvements in cognitive competence, learning memory ability and anxiety in a mouse model of depressive disorder induced by ouabain. In conclusion, these results indicated that resveratrol treatment had protective effects against oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory pathogenesis through the NETRIN1‑mediated extracellular signal‑regulated kinase/cAMP signal transduction pathway, suggesting that resveratrol treatment may be a potential antidepressant agent for the treatment of depressive disorder.

The effects of parental feeding styles, children’s self-efficacy and social anxiety on adolescent obesity

ABSTRACT Objective To examine the effect of parental feeding styles and children’s self-efficacy and social anxiety on adolescent obesity. Methods The samples of this descriptive and cross-sectional study were collected by using a simple sampling method. The study group was composed of 649 Turkish secondary schools students and their parents. Three secondary schools were selected from both rural and urban areas of the province. Data of the study were collected with the child-parent socio-demographic data collection form, the parenting feeding style questionnaire, the middle school self-efficacy scale and the social anxiety scale for the adolescent. To analyze the data of the study, we used percentages, mean, correlation, and regression analysis. Results The average age of the students was 11.58+1.21 years and percentages of female students 55.0%. The factors that significantly affect male adolescent obesity were fear of social situations in general, interpersonal relations, preventive healthcare self-efficacy, and strict dietary control, respectively. The factors affect male adolescent obesity at the rate of 35.0%. The factors that significantly affect female adolescent obesity were fear of social situations in general, preventive healthcare self-efficacy, emotional feeding, social evasion and distress in new situations, and tolerant dietary control, respectively. These factors affect female adolescent obesity at the rate of 32.8%. Conclusion It is indicated that the obesity of children is affected by self-efficacy levels, social anxiety, and the parental feeding style.

Momentary Parental Stress and Food-Related Parenting Practices

BACKGROUND

Research suggests that stress and depressed mood are associated with food-related parenting practices (ie, parent feeding practices, types of food served at meals). However, current measures of parental stress, depressed mood, and food-related parenting practices are typically survey-based and assessed as static/unchanging characteristics, failing to account for fluctuations across time and context. Identifying momentary factors that influence parent food-related parenting practices will facilitate the development of effective interventions aimed at promoting healthy food-related parenting practices. In this study, we used ecological momentary assessment to examine the association between momentary factors (eg, stress, depressed mood) occurring early in the day and food-related parenting practices at the evening meal.

METHODS

Children aged 5 to 7 years and their families (N = 150) from 6 racial and/or ethnic groups (n = 25 each African American, Hispanic/Latino, Hmong, American Indian, Somali, and white families) were recruited for this mixed-methods study through primary care clinics.

RESULTS

Higher stress and depressed mood earlier in the day predicted pressure-to-eat feeding practices and fewer homemade foods served at meals the same night. Effect modification was found for certain racial and/or ethnic groups with regard to engaging in pressure-to-eat feeding practices (ie, America Indian, Somali) or serving fewer homemade meals (ie, African American, Hispanic/Latino) in the face of high stress or depressed mood.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians may want to consider discussing with parents the influence stress and depressed mood can have on everyday food-related parenting practices. Additionally, future researchers should consider using real-time interventions to reduce parental stress and depressed mood to promote healthy parent food-related parenting practices.

Depressive Symptoms During Adolescence Predict Adulthood Obesity Among Black Females

AIM

This study aimed to investigate gender differences in the association between baseline depressive symptoms and subsequent changes in obesity in a sample of urban Black youth in the USA.

METHODS

The current study followed 681 Black youth (335 male and 346 female) for up to 18 years from 1994 to 2012. All youth were selected from an economically disadvantaged urban area in MI, USA. The main independent variable was baseline depressive symptoms measured in 1994. The main outcome was change in body mass index (BMI) from 1999 to 2012, calculated based on self-reported height and weight. Scio-demographics (age, number of parents in the household, and parental employment) were covariates. Gender was the focal moderator. We used linear regressions to test the predictive role of baseline depressive symptoms on change in BMI (from 1999 to 2012) in the pooled sample, and also based on gender.

RESULTS

Among Black females, but not Black males, baseline depressive symptoms predicted the BMI change from 1999 to 2012. The association remained significant for Black females after controlling for covariates.

CONCLUSION

High depressive symptoms at baseline better predict BMI change over the next decade for female than male Black youth. As a result, detection and reduction of depressive symptoms may be a vital element of obesity prevention programs for Black females. Policies and programs that address determinants of psychological distress as a strategy to prevent obesity among female Black youth in disadvantaged neighborhoods may be especially useful.

[Accelerometry does not match with self-reported physical activity and sedentary behaviors in Mexican children]

BACKGROUND

An accurate assessment of physical activity in schoolchildren is necessary to implement strategies that promote active lifestyles. The objective of this study was to validate a self-administered questionnaire to assess physical activity and sedentary behaviors and to analyze differences in the validity according to nutritional status in Mexican schoolchildren.

METHODS

Schoolchildren of 8-12 years of age answered a self-report physical activity and sedentary behaviors questionnaire to evaluate sedentary and light physical activity (SLPA) and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The data of children who wore a triaxial accelerometer days was analyzed. Concordance between both methods to determine the time schoolchildren spend watching television was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman method.

RESULTS

The estimation of MVPA by questionnaires was higher than that of accelerometers by 117.6minutes per week, and the estimation of SLPA was lower by 1,924.7minutes per week. No correlation between the time assessed by accelerometers and the time reported in the questionnaires for SLPA and MVPA was detected. In normal-weighted children, a low correlation between the time dedicated to play videogames with sedentary activities (r_ic=0.29, p=0.031) assessed by accelerometers was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Schoolchildren over-estimate MVPA and under-estimate SLPA. Body weight can be a factor influencing such bias.

Children's Physical Activity and Depression: A Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Research regarding the protective effects of early physical activity on depression has yielded conflicting results.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to synthesize observational studies examining the association of physical activity in childhood and adolescence with depression.

DATA SOURCES

Studies (from 2005 to 2015) were identified by using a comprehensive search strategy.

STUDY SELECTION

The included studies measured physical activity in childhood or adolescence and examined its association with depression.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data were extracted by 2 independent coders. Estimates were examined by using random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Fifty independent samples (89 894 participants) were included, and the mean effect size was significant (r = -0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.19 to -0.10). Moderator analyses revealed stronger effect sizes in studies with cross-sectional versus longitudinal designs (k = 36, r = -0.17; 95% CI = -0.23 to -0.10 vs k = 14, r = -0.07; 95% CI = -0.10 to -0.04); using depression self-report versus interview (k = 46, r = -0.15; 95% CI = -0.20 to -0.10 vs k = 4, r = -0.05; 95% CI = -0.09 to -0.01); using validated versus nonvalidated physical activity measures (k = 29, r = -0.18; 95% CI = -0.26 to -0.09 vs k = 21, r = -0.08; 95% CI = -0.11 to -0.05); and using measures of frequency and intensity of physical activity versus intensity alone (k = 27, r = -0.17; 95% CI = -0.25 to -0.09 vs k = 7, r = -0.05; 95% CI = -0.09 to -0.01).

LIMITATIONS

Limitations included a lack of standardized measures of physical activity; use of self-report of depression in majority of studies; and a small number of longitudinal studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical activity is associated with decreased concurrent depressive symptoms; the association with future depressive symptoms is weak.

Obesogenic behaviours and depressive symptoms in children: a narrative literature review

This review examines peer-reviewed, published articles exploring the role of obesogenic behaviours, including physical activity, screen time, and diet, and depressive symptoms, in 6- to 12-year-old children. Searches were conducted March-May 2014 and in August 2015 using PubMed, PsychInfo, and Embase. Eligible studies published between January 1990-August 2015 included 8- to 12-year-old children, any of the three previously identified obesogenic behaviours, and a measure of depressive symptoms. The search yielded 415 articles that were screened and assessed for eligibility; 21 were retained. Some studies included depression and a single obesogenic behaviour, while others included multiple obesogenic behaviours. Fifteen studies assessed physical activity, twelve assessed screen time, and five assessed dietary intake. Lower physical activity was associated with higher depression in 80% of studies. Higher screen time was associated with higher depression in all studies. Poor dietary intake was associated with higher depression in 60% of studies. Significant associations were found between depression and all three obesogenic behaviours. Stronger associations were found between depression and physical activity and screen time than between depression and dietary intake. This review broadens the understanding of the relationship between obesogenic behaviours and depression, and shows outcome consistency despite the lack of a consistent measurement technique. © 2016 World Obesity.

Barriers and facilitators of obesity management in families of youth with emotional and behavioral disorders

While youth with emotional and behavioral disorders experience increased rates of obesity, few obesity interventions exist that are tailored to their needs. Qualitative methods were employed to elucidate obesity management practices in this population. In all, 56 participants (i.e. 21 youths with emotional and behavioral disorders, 20 caregivers of youth with emotional and behavioral disorders, and 15 mental health providers) were recruited from community mental health centers. Participants completed a demographic form and semi-structured interview regarding obesity-related behaviors. Barriers (e.g. psychiatric symptoms) and facilitators (e.g. social support) to obesity management were identified. These results highlight preferred intervention components for this unique population.

Integrative Treatment of Pediatric Obesity: Psychological and Spiritual Considerations

This article presents an integrative approach to the problem of pediatric obesity, which is a multifaceted medical condition that is epidemic in the United States and elsewhere in the world. In this article, definitions of pediatric obesity are provided, and its prevalence, etiological factors, medical complications, and comorbidities are reviewed. Psychological and spiritual factors associated with pediatric obesity are discussed, together with their importance to integrative treatment. This review suggests that the use of psychological interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and animal-assisted therapy (AAT), can be considered in conjunction with medical and educational interventions to treat pediatric obesity successfully.