Trauma Doubles the Risk for Obesity, But It Can Be Helped

Unsurprisingly, children who face trauma early in life are at a higher risk of becoming obese, but new research suggests that positive experiences can help reduce this risk. A new article in The Conversation discusses the research and throws some light on what could be done to reverse or improve the situation.

Childhood trauma is unfortunately widespread. A study of nearly 5,000 children in New Zealand found that 87% had experienced at least one major traumatic event by age eight, and about a third (32%) had endured three or more. Traumatic experiences can range from physical and emotional abuse to exposure to bullying, domestic violence, substance abuse, mental illness, parental incarceration, divorce, or discrimination.

Children from lower-income families, as well as Māori and Pasifika children, were particularly affected by multiple types of adversity and had higher rates of trauma overall.

The consequences of these early experiences are significant. Children who had at least one traumatic event were twice as likely to be obese by age eight, with the likelihood increasing with the number of adverse experiences. Children who had four or more traumatic events were nearly three times more likely to be obese. Certain types of trauma, such as physical abuse and exposure to domestic violence, were more strongly linked to obesity, emphasizing the connection between early adversity and physical health.

One possible explanation is that stress from these traumatic experiences contributes to emotional distress, which may lead children to adopt unhealthy behaviors such as overeating, poor diet choices, lack of sleep, too much screen time, and physical inactivity. The study found that children who had faced adversity were more likely to engage in these behaviors, which in turn raised their risk of obesity.

However, the research also highlighted a hopeful finding: Positive experiences can help counteract some of the negative effects of trauma.

Positive experiences included things like:

  • Parents in stable relationships
  • Mothers having positive interactions with their children
  • Children involved in community activities, like visiting museums or participating in sports
  • Families with structured routines for bedtimes, screen time, and mealtimes
  • Access to quality early childhood education

The study found that children who had more positive experiences were significantly less likely to be obese. For instance, children with five or six positive experiences were 60% less likely to be overweight or obese compared to those with no or just one positive experience. Even having two positive experiences reduced the likelihood of obesity by 25%.

To offset the impact of trauma, a minimum of four positive experiences was necessary. Although nearly half of the children in the study had at least four positive experiences, a concerning number (more than 10%) had very few positive experiences at all.

The key takeaway is that traditional weight-loss programs focusing solely on behavior change are insufficient. A more holistic approach is needed, one that addresses the social, emotional, and environmental factors contributing to childhood obesity. Fostering positive experiences is critical, as they not only protect children from the harmful effects of trauma but also promote overall physical and mental well-being.

For vulnerable children, creating supportive environments is essential. Policymakers, schools, and families all have a role to play. Community programs such as after-school activities, healthy relationship initiatives, and mental health services can provide crucial support. A trauma-informed approach, particularly for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, is essential to address the impacts of domestic violence and other traumatic events.

Families can help by creating stable routines, engaging in social networks, and involving children in enriching activities. Schools and early childhood education providers also play a vital role in helping children build resilience and recover from trauma. Policymakers must invest in programs that provide positive experiences, helping to level the playing field for children who are at greater risk due to their circumstances.

When positive experiences outweigh the negative, children have a far greater chance to thrive physically, emotionally, and socially.

Your responses and feedback are welcome!

Source: “Children with traumatic experiences have a higher risk of obesity — but this can be turned around,” The Conversation, 1/13/25
Source: “Identification of positive childhood experiences with the potential to mitigate childhood unhealthy weight status…,” BMC Public Health, 1/13/25
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About Dr. Robert A. Pretlow

Dr. Robert A. Pretlow is a pediatrician and childhood obesity specialist. He has been researching and spreading awareness on the childhood obesity epidemic in the US for more than a decade.
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Presentations

Dr. Pretlow’s invited presentation at the American Society of Animal Science 2020 Conference
What’s Causing Obesity in Companion Animals and What Can We Do About It

Dr. Pretlow’s invited presentation at the World Obesity Federation 2019 Conference:
Food/Eating Addiction and the Displacement Mechanism

Dr. Pretlow’s Multi-Center Clinical Trial Kick-off Speech 2018:
Obesity: Tackling the Root Cause

Dr. Pretlow’s 2017 Workshop on
Treatment of Obesity Using the Addiction Model

Dr. Pretlow’s invited presentation for
TEC and UNC 2016

Dr. Pretlow’s invited presentation at the 2015 Obesity Summit in London, UK.

Dr. Pretlow’s invited keynote at the 2014 European Childhood Obesity Group Congress in Salzburg, Austria.

Dr. Pretlow’s presentation at the 2013 European Congress on Obesity in Liverpool, UK.

Dr. Pretlow’s presentation at the 2011 International Conference on Childhood Obesity in Lisbon, Portugal.

Dr. Pretlow’s presentation at the 2010 Uniting Against Childhood Obesity Conference in Houston, TX.

Food & Health Resources