Association of adverse childhood experiences and overweight or obesity in adolescents: A systematic review and network analysis

Abstract

This systematic review with meta-analysis assessed the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) linked to overweight or obesity in adolescents. Twenty-eight studies (cross-sectional, case–control, or cohort) were included, which described individuals with a history of ACE or adverse family experiences, such as physical, emotional, or psychological abuses; neglect; exposure to domestic violence or peer violence; and sexual abuse. Body mass index (BMI) or BMI z score was used by the study to define adolescents with overweight or obesity. Adolescents who reported childhood experiences, mainly physical, sexual, and emotional abuses, were more associated with overweight/obesity, especially those who experienced four or more ACEs. Network meta-analysis indicated that physical, sexual, and neglect were the most common ACEs associated with obesity in adolescents. Due to significant differences and imprecision among the studies, network meta-analysis was inconclusive in determining the impact of other types of ACE on outcomes. However, evidence suggests that exposure to sexual and physical abuse, as well as neglect, is associated with adolescents who are obese or overweight, as well as with the number of ACE experienced. The study presented evidence suggesting that dealing with many ACEs may be a risk factor for overweight and obesity in adolescents.