Obesity and PTSD: A review on this association from childhood to adulthood

Abstract

Background

In recent years, psychological factors, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, have emerged as possible background factors for obesity and its comorbidities. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been associated with higher body mass index (BMI) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) compared to other psychiatric disorders, but this association remains partly mysterious and intriguing, especially considering the effect of childhood trauma.

Method

We decided to conduct a review in order to obtain the most recent information on this association with a focus on developmental elements.

Results

The studies considered were very heterogeneous, in terms of sample size and results, and do not lend themselves to meta-analysis but rather to discursive synthesis.

Conclusion

There are many different and complex planes of interrelationship between PTSD and obesity which offer different therapeutic clues for the clinician. Integrated psychotherapies and interventions focusing on exercise and mindfulness can be used in different settings to promote recovery from both disorders.