Physical and psychosocial determinants of quality of life in children with obesity

Background

Obesity has a negative impact on the physical and psychosocial quality of life of children. As rates of obesity continue to increase, it is important to recognize the widespread effects obesity has on children and their families.

Methods

This clinical investigation evaluated the self-reported quality of life of children with obesity in a weight management program and compared this to a parent/guardian’s perspective of the child’s quality of life using the Pediatric Quality of Life survey 4.0. The quality of life of children with obesity was compared to children with other chronic diseases and healthy children.

Results

An association was discovered between the guardians’ responses to the Pediatric Quality of Life survey and the child’s age. Guardians with children younger than 11 years reported higher quality of life scores than guardians of children 11 years and older. Race, comorbidities of obesity, insurance type, household structure, and parental education attainment were not significantly associated with a child’s quality of life. Children with obesity had a lower quality of life compared to children who were organ transplant recipients and children with organic gastrointestinal disease.

Conclusions

These results emphasize the need to evaluate and treat the physical and psychosocial components of wellbeing in children with obesity at an early age.