On Friday, several experts revealed that obesity has a significant influence on physical, psychosocial, and mental health and can raise the risk of depression, especially in children and adolescents. Obesity is one of the fastest-growing chronic health issues, especially among children and adolescents.

Dr. Arun Bhardwaj, Consultant, Minimal Access, and Bariatric Surgery, HCMCT Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka, noted that obesity can lead to children experiencing subtle forms of teasing and discrimination. This can result in the development of a tendency to stay isolated and turn to food as a source of comfort.

He added that obesity and depression are closely related and can have a significant impact on a childs life. He noted that obesity creates a vicious cycle in which the youngster begins binge eating as a form of comfort food, which leads to other difficulties.

Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker is a consultant bariatric and laparoscopic surgeon at Saifee Hospital in Mumbai. Revealed that in comparison to children of normal weight, those with obesity have a 32% higher risk of developing depression. She revealed that this figure is much higher in young girls, who have a 44% higher likelihood of developing depression than normal-weight females.

Further, childhood obesity has other health implications. Dr. Surabhi Siddhartha, Consultant Obstetrician, and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Mumbai, stated that childhood obesity can lead to irregular menstruation, endometrial polyps, stress urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse in later life in girls. 

(Source: https://www.orissapost.com/obesity-can-raise-depression-risk-among-children-adolescents-doctors/ )